The sprouts' dense clumps of shoots and roots make them almost impossible to wash thoroughly. It could mean anything from nausea to frequent rides on the porcelain bus, but to some it could mean hospitalization or even death. Sprout growers and government scientists are experimenting with possible solutions like sterilizing the seeds in chlorine. Until this is proven effective the FDA says that the very young, the elderly, and anyone with a weak immune system should avoid raw alfalfa sprouts and other uncooked sprouts, such as those grown from mung beans. The precise form of supplemental disclosure is unspecified, but it must be in writing.
Many lawyers advise sellers to update disclosure at closing for their own protection.
Buyer's attorneys often add a recertification obligation to the contract, or if the contract was already written, request updates although they have no statutory or contractual basis for doing so. However, even if the seller discloses a material defect in a supplement, the buyer has no right to terminate the contract unless the seller had actual knowledge of the defect at the time of initial disclosure. Under most inspection contract contingencies, buyers have the right not to approve inspection reports, thus terminating the contract. Other form contract contingencies grant sellers the option to repair or terminate the contract. The ISBA Real Estate Law Section Council Committee that helped draft amendments to the Act tried to balance the potential harm to each party.