Manure used as a fertilizer on sprouts is suspected of being the source of the recent E. Coli outbreak in Europe. Manure was also found responsible for the Cryptosporidium outbreaks in the Kelowna water system several years ago.

Experts are reminding us how important it is to know the origin of your manure, otherwise it could become the source of spreading foodborne pathogens such as E. coli.

I’m a believer in composting manure before you add it to edibles or any area where kids and pets may be roaming around. A little manure does add the right nutrients for growing vegetables, and we use a little for our magic Vegi Compost Mix. In our composting process we get large piles decomposing at a high heat in a short time. Not only does this destroy any possible pathogens but it also wrecks weed growth. I’m no enemy of weeds but when it starts to get hot in that pile, the seeds germinate and then die. You get raw weed seeds in manure!

For more info on manure dangers: http://www.motherearthnews.com/healthy-people-healthy-planet/compost-contaminated-manure-ecoli-foodborne-pathogens