The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers to wash their avocados before eating them, because of the risk of bacterial contamination. In 2014, the FDA began monitoring avocados as part of a “new proactive and preventive approach” that was meant to stop dangerous food before it reached the market.
Their sampling revealed that a small percentage of domestically grown and imported avocados were contaminated with bacteria. Both Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes were detected, and further analysis indicated that the Listeria had the potential to be pathogenic. As a result of their findings, the FDA is urging consumers to thoroughly wash avocados before eating them. They also plan to continue monitoring avocados for evidence of microbial contamination.
Sources: FDA