How Do Peppers Get Salmonella?

Growing and Handling Peppers

Often, peppers can infect the plant they are growing on with the salmonella virus, thanks to being fertilized with manure, which is animal waste. Sometimes the plant is contaminated by bacteria in the water used to nourish it, and other times workers who pack and ship the products transfer the bacteria from their hands. In addition, at times peppers are bruised and rotten and have bacteria growing on the skin and inside the vegetable, causing mold. Finally, improper temperatures used to store the peppers can cause bacteria to grow.

Recent studies have identified how the E. coli virus binds to the leaves of produce. The short, needle-like filaments of the virus that inject bacteria and protein into human cells attach to the vegetables. In some cases the virus invades the cells of the plant, so washing will not help combat an outbreak.

When handling peppers, wash your hands with warm water and soap and rinse the vegetables for three to five minutes under warm running water. Wash off any cutting boards or containers you used with soap and water before cutting and rinse well. Refrigerate peppers until you plan to cook them---do not leave out. When preparing them, cut off any bruises or mold and discard the refuse. If the pepper has any mold on it, do not eat it and throw it away.