Why are raw sprouts on the list of high-risk foods?
To produce sprouts, seeds are soaked then kept moist for several days while they sprout. The conditions for sprouting a seed are ideal for bacteria growth. Thus, if the seeds are contaminated with bacteria, the numbers may be very high in the sprout. Ways to remove bacteria from seeds for sprouting are being investigated. Cooked sprouts are not in the high-risk category. Back to top Why are some people at high risk for foodborne illness? Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause severe illness in some people, including pregnant women (the risk is for the fetus), elderly, and people who have weakened immune systems. [Healthy people rarely get sick when they are exposed to listeria.] Foods that are likely to containListeria should be avoided by people in the high-risk categories. Listeria is a very tough bacteria. It survives and can even multiply slowly in the refrigerator. If refrigerated foods that have a long “shelf-life” are contaminated with low levels ofListeria in a pro
