News Release 3-22-2002 |
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WVDA WARNS OF POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO PRODUCE AND PLANTS FROM FLOODING “Typically, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) gives this type of warning when fields of crops have been flooded,” said Commissioner Douglass. “However, we received reports that the recent rain was threatening to flood businesses, including stores providing farm and garden supplies. We want to remind people that it is extremely difficult to adequately clean flood contamination from produce and canned food, and let people know that contaminated garden inputs, such as fertilizer, might contaminate plants as they grow.” Commissioner Douglass added that retail stores typically destroy any flood-damaged products rather than meet stringent cleaning requirements, so the danger of buying contaminated food is minimal. Fertilizer and other chemicals may be sold as “flood-damaged.” Those products will usually solidify in the bag after exposure to water and should be used on fields not currently in production. “These ideas are simply precautions. The safest thing to do is to keep anything intended for human consumption as far removed from floodwater as possible,” said Herma Johnson, Assistant Director of the WVDA’s Regulatory and Environmental Affairs Division (READ). During summer and fall flooding, when crops are in the fields, the WVDA recommends that any vegetables that are covered by floodwater be carefully evaluated. Discard vegetables that may trap silt, such as broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, etc. Produce with intact skins may be used, but should be washed thoroughly. Any produce with damaged skin or peel should also be discarded. Root crops, such as potatoes and carrots, should be safe if washed thoroughly. In addition to produce, the plants themselves may also be damaged by floodwaters. Tom Clark, Horticulturist for the WVDA’s Marketing and Development Division warns farmers and gardeners of this damage. “Exposure to water-logged soils for extended periods of time can cause a variety of injuries to plants, including death. Floodwaters may contain harmful pathogens that can contaminate produce. It is important to follow safety guidelines. Wash all produce and discard damaged material. Be certain also to wash your hands after contact with plant material that you suspect may be contaminated.”
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©2001, 2002 West Virginia Department of Agriculture, All Rights Reserved |
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