However, this may be the first time the FDA has issued a health advisory on an unprocessed produce item. In issuing the advisory, the FDA noted efforts to improve sprout safety by the International Sprout Growers Association. The group, based in Amherst, Mass., is working with the FDA and the California Department of Health Services to develop a food safety program for growers. One strategy already adopted by many growers is treating seeds with an antimicrobial solution. Irradiation of the seeds also is promising, says Nancy Snider, president of the International Sprout Growers Association.
Many growers also are interested in methods that adhere to organic farming standards.
As with other types of produce, contamination does not occur naturally, Snider says. Pathogens usually are introduced from outside sources, such as manure, to the seed since sprouts are grown from seed using water and light. Researchers also are looking at the water used in processing as a factor in contamination. Snider stressed the relatively small risk of foodborne illness from the 300,000 tons of sprouts produced in the United States each year. Sprouts are a very safe item, and they're going to get even safer, which is the good news.