Fresh Herbs Found to Carry Bacteria

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has started look for microbial contamination in a processed avocado, guacamole, and a variety of fresh herbs. The agency wanted to conduct tests on basil, cilantro, and parsley because they are often eaten without a so-called kill step like cooking, which would usually kill bacteria. The FDA also chose processed avocado because it has a lot of moisture and is not acidic, so bacteria can easily thrive in that environment.  Their survey of these products has only just begun, and they have started to release some of their findings.