E COLI OUTBREAK

The number of deaths caused by the E coli infection in Germany has risen to 22 with over 2000 people ill. The latest theory as to the possible cause is bean sprouts and other sprout varieties from a farm in the Uelzen area of northern Germany. Whether this proves to be so or not is academic. What is of concern is that the possible farming methods used may have allowed this particular strain of E coli to contaminate the crops.