Following the E. coli outbreak in France and Germany earlier this year, the EC has informed EFSA that the EU member states have now completed tracing activities across the food chain.
With the removal from the market in all member states of the most likely source of the contaminated food, a specific lot of fenugreek seeds from Egypt, coupled with on-going importation restrictions, the authority is no longer advising consumers not to grow sprouts for their own consumption and also not to eat sprouts or sprouted seeds unless they have been cooked thoroughly.
EFSA recommends that consumers refer to national food safety agencies for any specific advice regarding sprout consumption.
The authority takes this opportunity to remind consumers of the importance of good hygiene practices when preparing and consuming fresh vegetables, such as washing hands before food preparation, washing food properly under running potable water and separating raw foods from ready-to-eat or cooked foods.
Source: EFSA
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