New bill makes penicillin official state microbe

Posted on August 17, 2021
The canteloupe, displayed by State Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). (Photo courtesy: Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – A moldy cantaloupe made an appearance at a bill-signing Tuesday in Springfield – Ag Day at the Illinois State Fair.

The cantaloupe, displayed by State Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), was brought into the USDA Ag Lab in Peoria by Mary Hunt, now affectionately (we think) known as Moldy Mary. This came as researchers were trying to invent what became penicillin. The core ingredient in the wonder drug, Penicillium Rubens, is now the official state microbe, and Moldy Mary now has her due.
No produce or any other grocery item was involved in another bill signed Tuesday, promoting agriculture-related courses as fulfilling requirements to enter college.
Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]. 

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