U.S. has warned against eating raw sprouts

WASHINGTON, June 10 (UPI) -- Outbreaks of illness among people who ate raw sprouts are not new -- the U.S. government warned in 1999 against eating raw sprouts, a food advocacy group says.

In light of the outbreak of E. coli linked to sprouts in Germany, the Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington says between 1990 and 2010, more than 2,500 Americans were sickened due to contaminated sprouts in at least 45 outbreaks.

In 1999, Jane E. Henney, then commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said: "Despite all these efforts to make raw sprouts safer, we continue to receive reports of illnesses associated with raw sprouts. Consumers need to understand that, at this time, the best way to control this risk is not to eat raw sprouts."

The government has issued a warning about the risk of eating sprouts.

"Sprouts are risky as they are often eaten raw, and contaminated seeds can infect a whole batch of sprouts. Even homegrown sprouts present a risk because if pathogenic bacteria are present in or on seed, they can grow to high levels during sprouting," Henney said.

Jeff Cronin of the CSPI say the U.S. Food and Drug recommends:

-- Children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems should avoid

eating any raw sprouts including alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean sprouts.

-- Cook sprouts thoroughly because it kills the harmful bacteria.

-- Request raw sprouts not be added to your food.