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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Bill Kortz |
  
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Kortz plans to introduce ban on human waste fertilizer
HARRISBURG, July 2 – State Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Allegheny, is planning to introduce legislation to ban the use of any form of human waste as agricultural fertilizer.
Kortz cited a recent event making national headlines as a main reason for introducing the legislation.
"While our state's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has already enacted strict regulations governing the use of this waste, the recent recall of certain types of tomatoes should serve as an opportunity to re-examine what is allowed as legal fertilizer so crops are less likely to become contaminated."
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes the risk that untreated or improperly treated human waste can present to consumers, Kortz said. It has cited that human bio-solids can be a microbial hazard containing several notable contaminants such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, and Cryptosporidium.
Recently, the FDA recalled certain types of tomatoes because they were suspected to be contaminated with Salmonella. Then, in late 2006, the FDA also issued a recall for spinach which was contaminated with E.coli.
"While the FDA and the DEP's regulations and restrictions serve to protect the public, I feel the safest approach is to ban the use of this type of fertilization all together," Kortz said. "I think my legislation is a necessary safeguard for us and the foods we eat."
The legislation is currently circulating among House members for co-sponsorship.
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CONTACT: Amy Figard |