A battered Germany recovers from E. coli outbreak

But Berlin's reputation is left muddied as it faces questions about the time it took to identify the source — a farm in Lower Saxony — and the haste with which it had initially blamed produce from European neighbors.
By Henry Chu
Los Angeles Times
June 11, 2011

 Salad is back on the menu in Germany, but it's being served with a big helping of humble pie.

Investigators concluded Friday that bean sprouts grown in northern Germany were responsible for the country's worst recorded outbreak of E. coli infections. Lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers — suspects originally blacklisted as vegetables non gratae — can now be welcomed back in from the culinary cold.

But rehabilitating Germany's reputation may prove a tougher task. The food scare has claimed at least 30 lives, sickened nearly 3,000 people, stirred up anger at home and strained relations with European neighbors. the rest

Organic Trade Association: manure facts
Is there a connection between E. coli and manure?
“While not all manures carry E. coli, manure is a documented source of E. coli contamination and should thus be handled cautiously in a fresh produce production system. Well-composted manures are recommended over the use of raw manures.”
(Source: Jasper Hempel, Food Safety Initiative Steering committee, California Certified Organic Farmers)