Statement by the Growing Media Association in relation to Legionella longbeachae
In response to a recent story regarding a number of cases of Legionella longbeachae
linked to potting compost in Scotland the Growing Media Association has released
the following statement:
The Growing Media Association is aware of three UK cases of disease caused by Legionella
longbeachae that are allegedly connected with the use of bagged compost.
It should be noted that no causal link has been irrefutably established and the
microbe is also known to be native to freshwater environments. The microbe can be
found in soil, compost heaps and water inside and outside the home. Over the past
10 years the UK public have used around 750 million bags of compost with no other
similar incidents recorded.
Although any risks appear to be minimal the Growing Media Association is consulting
with medical advisors to better understand the science around this issue and assess
whether there is any causal connection. The Growing Media Association is also working
with Trading Standards to formulate some common sense advice to be printed on bags.