Romaine contamination in the US is frequently reported; Taiwan does not use livestock water and tests for E. coli

For three consecutive years, the United States has seen large-scale outbreaks of romaine lettuce contaminated with hemorrhagic E. coli, suspected to be linked to farmers using livestock water for irrigation; Taiwan also produces romaine lettuce, so how can the risk be avoided?

The main domestic lettuce producer, the "Yunlin County Mailiao Fruit and Vegetable Production Cooperative," explained that to avoid contamination, farmers' growing areas must be 250 m away from livestock operations, farmers may not use livestock wastewater for irrigation, and E. coli counts must be tested before shipment to ensure food safety. Organic farmer Qiu Ronghan said that US organic certification allows the use of poultry and livestock manure, but Taiwan does not permit it, and organic fertilizer bought domestically, even if chicken manure is added, must undergo complete fermentation and drying, which can reduce the risk of E. coli contamination.