Sprouted Beans and Seeds

Sprouts, including mung bean and alfalfa sprouts, continue to be a popular choice for Canadians as a low-calorie, healthy ingredient in many dishes.

These foods, however, may carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli and have been the cause of outbreaks of illness in Canada and other countries. Find out more about the risk of illness related to sprouts.

What is Health Canada doing?

Health Canada has collaborated with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to take action to help reduce the risk of illnesses related to sprouts. In 2006, Health Canada issued a Policy on Managing Health Risk Associated with the Consumption of Sprouted Seeds and Beans. This will help to protect Canadian consumers by reducing the likelihood of contaminated sprouts being sold in Canada.

What information is available?

For the Public:

• Risks Associated with Sprouts

For Industry:

• Policy on Managing Health Risks Associated with the Consumption of Sprouted Seeds and Beans
• Guidance for Industry: Sample Collection and Testing for Sprouts and Spent Irrigation Water
• CFIA Code of Practice for the Hygienic Production of Sprouted Seeds
• Compendium of Analytical Methods