Warning over bean sprouts salmonella

RESTAURANTS across the Lothians have been warned to remain vigilant for a rogue batch of bean sprouts which have left eight people in the area ill.

The nationwide salmonella outbreak, which has affected a total of 125 people, reached Edinburgh last week

Council health chiefs are now warning restaurants to cook thoroughly all raw bean sprouts, and not confuse the uncooked product with the "ready to eat" version.

Councillor Robert Aldridge, the city's environmental leader, said: "We readily give advice on how to prepare and cook food to avoid the potential risk of contamination and food poisoning and with raw bean sprouts it is essential that they should be cooked properly.

"I would urge restaurant owners and the general public to take the Food Standards Agency's advice on preparing and cooking bean sprouts so that any possible illness can be avoided at all costs."

All eight of the Lothians victims were adults, one of whom was elderly, but none of those affected here was seriously ill.

Advice issued by Health Protection Scotland states large bean sprouts added to stir fries should be left to simmer for a few minutes before adding other ingredients.

It also recommended keeping them refrigerated prior to use; avoiding ones which have turned brown or other strange colours; rinsing raw beans through thoroughly; and strictly adhering to use-by dates.

The city council added that the very old and very young should avoid consuming all raw bean sprouts, even if they are marked "ready to eat".

Professor Qutub Syed, of the Health Protection Agency's local and regional services division, said: "Questioning people with confirmed salmonella infection produced some evidence of a link with bean sprouts and we have now isolated salmonella from a bean sprout sample.

"It is more important than ever for caterers and people who buy bean sprouts to eat at home to ensure that these products are properly prepared and cooked until they are piping hot unless they are clearly labelled ready-to-eat.

"It is also important for people who prepare meals in catering establishments and in the home to keep raw bean sprouts separate from other salad products, including ready-to-eat bean sprouts, to avoid the risk of cross-contamination.

"If there is any doubt as to whether the bean sprouts are ready-to-eat, or in the absence of clear preparation instructions, the FSA advises that bean sprouts should be washed and thoroughly cooked as a precaution.

"If this advice is followed bean sprouts will be safe to eat."