E. coli found in imported avocados in Thailand

BANGKOK, June 10 (TNA) - Thai health authorities have acknowledged that a test showed that avocados imported from Europe into the country had E. coli bacteria, urging the public to avoid consuming fresh veggies shipped from countries in the northern hemisphere.

Dr. Pipat Yingseri, Director-General of Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said it has remained unknown whether the E. coli bacteria found in the avocados imported from Spain is the same strain as the one causing deadly outbreaks in Europe currently.

Dr. Pipat noted that more tests are needed and expected to come out next week, along with a test on frozen cabbages imported from Belgium.

The Thai government has said people can still consume fresh fruits and vegetables, but should wash them thoroughly or cook them to kill bacteria, noting that vegetables normally have some types of harmless E. coli strains.

The source of the E. coli outbreaks in Europe has remained unknown although some 30 people have died and more than 2,800 people have fallen ill in at least 14 countries over nearly the past two weeks.

The Thai FDA chief insisted that people should not panic, but avoid consuming fresh farm produce from countries in the northern hemisphere. (TNA)