Food Office - update on Ecoli

[Penny]

Following reports of a possible link between the outbreak in France and a UK company, the FSA issued temporary precautionary advice to consumers while this was investigated. It advised that sprouted seeds should only be eaten if they have been cooked thoroughly until steaming hot throughout and that they should not be eaten raw.

This temporary advice has now changed. Consumers are advised to follow the on-pack instructions. Sprouted seeds can be eaten raw if they are labelled ‘ready-to-eat' or 'ready-to-wash’. All other sprouted seeds, if not labelled as such, should be cooked thoroughly until steaming hot.

Caterers are also advised that they should source their supplies of sprouted seeds from producers that have recognised food safety and quality control systems in place.

This change of advice follows recent developments in the on-going investigation.
cheers Penny