Sprouts grow in a warm, moist environment which is the perfect environment for certain types of bacteria to thrive. Cooking foods kills these types of bacteria but when eaten raw, if these these bacteria are present they aren’t killed.  The FDA recommends cooking all sprouts before eating and groups (pregnant women, elderly and children) that are more susceptible to life threatening illnesses from these bacteria should avoid eating raw sprouts. However, when making sprouts at home, you have much more control over the environment than a commercial kitchen, so there is less chance for an issue.   Be sure to follow these practices to ensure safe handling when you are making your own sprouts are: • Wash your hands before handling. • Use clean tap water or boiled water. • Thoroughly clean all your equipment with soap and hot water before starting the process. • Rinse the seeds as well. • Store the sprouts in a safe area where they won’t be contaminated by raw meat or unwashed produce in your kitchen. At the end of the day, when growing sprouts in your home they are less likely to be exposed to contamination by bacteria than those you buy at the grocery store.  You have control over the environment and freshness of the product.  But remember that if the sprouts look or smell funny you should exercise caution and throw them away.