Sludge Watch ==> Sprout alert

[Maureen Reilly]

Sludgewatch Admin:

I talked to Health Canada about the sprout problem today.  I wondered what 
kind of sprouts and sprout packaging was involved.

Was it the plastic boxes of tiny alfalfa sprouts?
Was it the open trays or boxes of loose bag-your-own bean sprouts like in 
the Chinese market?

The answer: Both kinds of sprouts have been a problem over the past 5 years.

The Health Canada staffer said it was thought that the bacteria enter the 
seed head at harvest and then multiply under the warm moist sprouting 
conditions.

So...it looks like have to cook our sprouts.


But hey...sure...your are allowed to put sewage sludge on alfala fields.  
Sure...sewage sludge that is loaded with salmonella.  The EPA thinks that's 
ok.


They think only animals eat alfalfa.

......................................

Medical News Today


Raw Or Undercooked Sprouts Should Not Be Eaten By Children, The Elderly Or 
Those With Weakened Immune Systems
15 Feb 2007

With the release of its new policy on sprouts, Health Canada is reminding 
Canadians that raw or undercooked sprouts should not be eaten by children, 
the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.

Sprouts, including mung bean and alfalfa sprouts, continue to be a popular 
choice for Canadians as a low-calorie, healthy ingredient in many dishes.

These foods, however, may carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. 
coli O157:H7, which can lead to serious illness.

Fresh produce can sometimes be contaminated with harmful bacteria while in 
the field or during storage or handling. This is particularly a concern with 
sprouts. Many outbreaks of Salmonella and E. coli infections have been 
linked to contaminated sprouts. The most recent in Canada was in the fall of 
2005, when more than 648 cases of Salmonella were reported in Ontario.

Children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are 
particularly vulnerable to these bacteria and should not eat any raw sprouts 
at all. They should also avoid eating cooked sprouts unless they can be sure 
the sprouts have been thoroughly cooked.

Healthy adults who choose to eat sprouts should take precautions to reduce 
their risk of exposure to sprout-borne bacteria. When purchasing sprouts, 
always select crisp ones that have been refrigerated and avoid those that 
appear dark or smell musty. Always use tongs or a glove to place the sprouts 
in a plastic bag. If possible, when eating in a restaurant always make sure 
that the sprouts are fully cooked.

Symptoms from Salmonella usually occur 12 to 36 hours after eating 
contaminated food while symptoms from E. coli O157:H7 can occur within two 
to 10 days. Symptoms can include vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever. People 
who experience these symptoms should contact a doctor immediately. In 
extreme cases, E. coli O157:H7 can lead to acute kidney failure or even 
death.

Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency continue to work with 
producers to develop and implement best practices that will reduce the 
chances of sprouts becoming contaminated. Health Canada's new Policy on 
Managing Health Risks Associated with the Consumption of Sprouted Seeds and 
Beans was recently released with this in mind.

More information, including Health Canada's new policy on sprouts, can be 
found on Health Canada's Sprouts Information Page.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=63108