ALABAMA A&M and AUBURN UNIVERSITIES

Auburn, March 29---More and more cases of sprout-related foodborne illnesses are occurring in America so consumers need to take some precautions before eating sprouts from a salad bar or grocery store.

Soil is not necessary to grow sprouts, only water and cool temperatures.  Unfortunately, these conditions also are ideal for producing Salmonella and Ecoli 0157 bacteria, both of which can be dangerous and cause health problems in humans.   Its believed the seeds that grow the sprouts are the source of the bacteria, says Evelyn Crayton, Extension foods and nutrition specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Use the following tips to help you select and eat healthy sprouts.

**  Don't eat sprouts if you belong to one of the groups at high risk for foodborne disease, such as young children, the elderly or people with immune-system problems, (diabetes, H.I.V., patients taking chemotherapy).

**  Buy or eat sprouts kept at refrigerator temperature.  Select crisp sprouts with buds attached.   Avoid musty-smelling, dark or slimy sprouts.

**  Refrigerate sprouts at 40? F as soon as you get them home from the grocery store.

**  Wash your  hands in warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling sprouts or other raw foods.

**  Rinse sprouts thoroughly with only water before use.  Rinsing helps remove surface dirt.

SOURCE:  DR. EVELYN CRAYTON, Extension foods and nutrition specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System (334) 844-2224.