Caterers have been warned – don't serve raw sprouted seeds
Following further cases of E.Coli in France, the Food Standards Agency is revising its guidance on the consumption of sprouted seeds such as alfalfa, mung beans (usually known as bean sprouts) and fenugreek.
The investigations into the outbreak of E.coli in France have suggested a possible link to sprouting seeds from a company based in the UK.
To date no cases of food poisoning have been reported in the UK which are linked to the outbreak in France and the FSA is in close contact with the Health Protection Agency which is actively monitoring the situation.
John Dyson, the BHA's food and technical affairs adviser, says that, as a precaution, the agency is advising that sprouted seeds should only be eaten if they have been cooked thoroughly until steaming hot throughout; they should not be eaten raw.
"This advice is for caterers as well as consumers and until the route source of contamination has been found both in France and Germany then the advice is likely to remain in place."
Dyson said that the BHA, together with other trade bodies, has had two meetings with the FSA on the issue.
"We are advising members to follow closely the guidance issued."