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Millions of people in the U.S eat avocados every day without washing them first. So where is the listeria epidemic?
so agree. I don't think it is a big deal to quickly rinse off all fruits and veggies but I also think way to much is being made of all this and of many possible health concerns related to foods and food preps.
Millions of people in the U.S eat avocados every day without washing them first. So where is the listeria epidemic?
You really don't understand how science and statistics work, do you?
Millions of people don't get the flu each year, why get flu shots?
Millions of people didn't die from lung cancer, why stop smoking?
Millions of people didn't die from auto accidents, why wear seat belts?
Millions of bike riders don't have accidents ever, why wear helmets?
And on and on.
Oh, just thought of one that struck close to home (I live in the hometown of Blue Bell Ice Cream), millions of people didn't get Listeria from Blue Bell, why do anything?
You really don't understand how science and statistics work, do you?
Millions of people don't get the flu each year, why get flu shots?
Millions of people didn't die from lung cancer, why stop smoking?
Millions of people didn't die from auto accidents, why wear seat belts?
Millions of bike riders don't have accidents ever, why wear helmets?
And on and on.
Oh, just thought of one that struck close to home (I live in the hometown of Blue Bell Ice Cream), millions of people didn't get Listeria from Blue Bell, why do anything?
Can you show me a few cases of listeria in the general population proven to be caused by avocados? All the examples you show are clear and cut cases of where something has specifically been proven to cause deaths among the general population. I'm not aware of anyone eating unwashed avocados having food poisoning, but I'm willing to see if any exists.
Certainly with millions of unwashed avocados eaten every day there would be occasional outbreaks of listeria and salmonella poisoning linked to avocados if this is an issue, much like similar episodes with lettuce and other produce.
Last edited by marino760; 12-27-2018 at 11:56 AM..
Can you show me a few cases of listeria in the general population proven to be caused by avocados?
Here is the FDA study, where they found Listeria on the skin of approx 1 in 6 avocados. Remember that most of the population is resistant to Listeria; the disease primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. It's like oysters--while 90% of the population can eat them without issue, there is a significant minority that should NOT eat them, due to their lowered resistance to infection from the bacteria found in almost all oysters (Vibrio).
So with avocados, first it has to have the Listeria germ (17%). Then you have to be susceptible, who knows, maybe 10%. So now we're down to a percentage point or two. Reduce further by the target group maybe not being big guac eaters . Plus places that DO wash their avos. It's probably a very small group of people affected.
What the FDA is trying to do is be pro-active. If one simple step can save a few thousand people from getting ill, why not?
PS: This is all my rambling. I'm sure a scientist could put together a better defense. But I'm sure as hell not depending on anecdotal evidence ("well, I don't know anybody who ever got sick from 'em") leading me thru life. Most people who didn't wear a helmet and then had head trauma from a motorcycle accident wish they did. Hindsight is magic.
There's a good reason in many ethnic cuisines that on every table especially with fruits and vegs there are lemon juice sprinkled on the food or vinegar. Kimchi and other pickled vegs have vinegar and enzymes that kill germs. Wasabi, mustards, and even fresh hot peppers also can kill germs. Which is why you see those condiments served with ethnic foods. My mother has a habit of eating pickled garlic with meat dishes which has very high antiseptic properties.
Here is the FDA study, where they found Listeria on the skin of approx 1 in 6 avocados. Remember that most of the population is resistant to Listeria; the disease primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. It's like oysters--while 90% of the population can eat them without issue, there is a significant minority that should NOT eat them, due to their lowered resistance to infection from the bacteria found in almost all oysters (Vibrio).
So with avocados, first it has to have the Listeria germ (17%). Then you have to be susceptible, who knows, maybe 10%. So now we're down to a percentage point or two. Reduce further by the target group maybe not being big guac eaters . Plus places that DO wash their avos. It's probably a very small group of people affected.
What the FDA is trying to do is be pro-active. If one simple step can save a few thousand people from getting ill, why not?
PS: This is all my rambling. I'm sure a scientist could put together a better defense. But I'm sure as hell not depending on anecdotal evidence ("well, I don't know anybody who ever got sick from 'em") leading me thru life. Most people who didn't wear a helmet and then had head trauma from a motorcycle accident wish they did. Hindsight is magic.
So no, you can't find a single case in this country of anyone getting listeria or salmonella or food poisoning from avocados even though millions of avocados are eaten everyday without washing the skin. Ok then, that's what I needed to know.
Last edited by marino760; 12-28-2018 at 04:49 AM..
I have never washed an avocado. More than likely won't start now.
As I mentioned the other day, I did find myself wiping off the skin with a little water and a paper towel, but I am still not sure why I bothered. I grew up in So. CA where we had avocados everywhere. It was almost a daily basic food and never did anyone I know wash them. This goes with many things. If I have lived over 80 years without worrying about this or that disease I think I am safe to continue not worrying.
So no, you can't find a single case in this country of anyone getting listeria or salmonella or food poisoning from avocados even though millions of avocados are eaten everyday without washing the skin. Ok then, that's what I needed to know.
Let's face it; people often don't realize our eating habit and sanitation habits are a bit different than say, third world countries.
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. Plus places that DO wash their avos. It's probably a very small group of people affected.