Russian scientists say vegetables grown on board the International Space Station can be consumed without fear of food poisoning or other adverse effects. Researchers have been studying \"orbital-grown\" vegetables such as Japanese cabbage for several years. \"The samples of cabbage have been brought to Earth,\" a researcher at the Moscow-based Institute of Medical and Biological Problems told RIA Novosti Wednesday. \"We have not detected any deviations in their biomass composition compared with cabbage grown on Earth.\" \"From a microbiological perspective, these samples were absolutely safe to consume,\" the researcher said. Because fruits and vegetables cannot be washed with water on board a spacecraft, the researchers said, microbiological safety is a significant factor in determining space travelers\' diets. The results of the orbital growing experiments could help in compiling a list of plants suitable for cultivating during prolonged space missions including manned flights to Mars and beyond, they said.