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West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass has issued a caution to West Virginia farmers and home gardeners in the wake of flooding earlier this year.

“Although there was no garden produce ready during the most recent flooding, it’s important to note that flood waters can carry materials dangerous to human health. The safest thing to do is dispose of any produce exposed to flood water within 120 days of harvest,” said Commissioner Douglass, citing U.S. Department of Agriculture Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) guidelines for harvest after manure application.

Although most human pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella will die off after about 90 days, some bacteria such as Lysteria campylobacter can persist in soil for up to a year.

Fresh produce – regardless of the source – should always be thoroughly washed, and cooked produce should always be heated to 165 degrees, Commissioner Douglass added.

For more information, contact Tom Clark, WVDA Marketing Specialist, Horticulture, at 304-558-2210.

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The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.

“The Basis of All Wealth is Agriculture.”

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