Antibiotic-resistant E. coli detected on Vancouver farmers’ market produce
Feb 4, 2015
UBC researchers have detected antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria on lettuce from several Vancouver farmers’ markets.
Researchers collected samples from 14 vendors at five different, unidentified markets in Vancouver, and tested them for a range of different bacteria. Coliform bacteria was detected in 72 per cent of samples, of which 13 per cent harbored E. coli. Resistance to one or more antibiotics was detected in 97 per cent of the E. coli samples. One-fifth of the E. coli in the samples suggested fecal contamination.
Lead author of the study, Jayde Wood, a former master’s student in Food Science with the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, stressed that all the samples fell within Health Canada guidelines. But she said the findings warrant further investigation. [read the full media release]
See also: Boiled Salad, Anyone?
Related stories in the media:
- Global News: UBC researchers find antibiotic-resistant E. coli on local produce
- Vancouver Sun: Antibiotic resistant E coli found in farmers market lettuce
- Metro News: Vancouver farmers’ market produce E. coli levels OK
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