[The occurrence of Salmonellae in organic fertilizer]

Out of 24 samples of organic and organic-chemical fertilizers which were bought in retail stores ("Bio-Fertilizers") in 25% salmonellas and in 12.5% Clostridium perfringens were isolated. In each of the fertilizers, from which these pathogens were cultivated, products from animal origin were part of the ingredients. In the majority of the cases these were animal fecal residues but also blood meal and horn shavings. The epidemiological importance of these findings is discussed. It is appealed to the legislature to bring the ordinance on fertilizers to bear which demands "rendering to hygienically safe products". It is further necessary to lay down relevant executive orders for the hygienic control of the fertilizers and the supervision of the production plants. This is especially important in the context of the aim to check salmonellosis of man and animals.