E coli in Bean Sprouts

German officials have announced that the recent E coli outbreak has been caused by contaminated bean sprouts. Although tests conducted for locating the E coli in the bean sprouts were negative, Germany’s risk assessment agency has concluded that the epidemiology and the pattern of the outbreak point to locally grown bean sprouts being responsible for the problem. The agency has suggested that the contaminated sprouts have most likely been consumed and have lifted the warning on eating salad produce.

The best advice about preventing E coli in salad is to use a chlorine based baby sterilising solution as a 15 minute soak. This method will kill E coli on the outside of vegetables and salads. However, infected bean sprouts have most likely been contaminated with E coli by the use of animal slurry. In this case the E coli are drawn up inside the fibrous hollow bean sprout and the use of sterilising solutions will not kill the bacteria on the inside of the plant. The best way to make sure beans sprouts are safe for consumption is to cook them before eating.

It should be noted that simply washing fruit, vegetables and salads will not kill E coli. Extra care should always be taken when preparing raw salad for young children and pregnant women.