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.