KANSAS
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT
BILL GRAVES, GOVERNOR
Gary R. Mitchell, Secretary

September 23, 1998

Contact: Don Brown

785-296-5795

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is joining the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in advising that children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems should not eat raw alfalfa sprouts until growers find a way to reduce the risk of contamination from bacteria that infects some sprouts.

A salmonella outbreak in Kansas last year sickened more than 100 people and was traced to contaminated sprouts produced in Northeast Kansas. Earlier this summer, 60 consumers in California fell ill after eating sprouts tainted with E. coli 0157:H7 according to federal officials. Outbreaks of E. coli were also linked to alfalfa sprouts last year in Michigan and Virginia. Some 36 people were hospitalized for treatment.

"Certain people are more susceptible to foodborne illness and should be more careful with food products that may pose a risk," said Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, State Epidemiologist.

Scientists believe sprout seeds are most likely contaminated when in the field from bacteria in growing fields. The FDA is working with the industry to review agricultural practices in growing sprouts, health risks, and ways to reduce the risk of foodborne disease.

"We certainly don't want to unnecessarily alarm the public, but a cautionary note seems warranted," said Gary R. Mitchell, Secretary of Health and Environment. "The evidence is mounting that demonstrates a risk exists, especially to the most vulnerable members of society."

"All sprouts are not contaminated, and most people who consume sprouts will not become ill," said Steve Paige, Director of KDHE's Bureau of Environmental Health Services. "But until we get a better handle on the extent and ramifications of the risk, it makes sense to play it safe with children, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system."

KDHE and FDA will continue to work with health care professionals to raise awareness about this potential risk. Consumers who have eaten raw sprouts and are experiencing severe diarrhea or other symptoms of foodborne illness are advised to consult their health care providers.