By The Associated Press
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - West Virginia agricultural officials are advising growers to discard vegetables that have had contact with floodwaters.
The advice comes after weeks of rain that promoted Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin to declare states of emergency in 10 counties this week.
West Virginia Extension agent John Bombardiere said the safest way to deal with lettuce, tomatoes or potatoes that have been tainted by floodwater is to toss them. He said they should not be consumed by humans or animals.
The advice is based U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines, which state that there is no practical way to salvage the product.
Bombardiere said floodwaters can contain E. coli, heavy metals or other contaminants.