It's a Fact - Sprouts are Evil

Scientists in California have finally proven what millions of children have always suspected - eating brussel sprouts can kill you (at least when they haven't been cooked).

Investigators at the California Department of Health believe sprouts from contaminated alfafa and clover seeds caused half of all major food contamination outbreaks in the area between 1996 and 1998. The seeds led to e coli and salmonella infections which could be fatal when sprouts are eaten raw. Experts believe raw sprouts were responsible for over 20,000 cases of gastrointestinal illness and urinary tract disease and 2 deaths over the period.

Dr Janet C. Mohle-Boetani explained: "As currently produced, sprouts can be a hazardous food. Seeds can be contaminated before sprouting and no method can eliminate all disease-causing organisms from seeds".

Seeds may be contaminated with e coli or salmonella from bird faeces, rodents and other animals and washing or treating produce which has been grown from contaminated seed may do little good.

Researchers recommended seed and sprout growers make more effort to reduce contamination and those with weak immune systems should avoid sprouts altogether.

Monday, 10 September 2001