Beansprouts....

[janzman]

....Last night I was making a stir fry using beansprouts. I read on the packet 'Warning...do not eat raw, fully cook before eating' and I wondered why. I thought you could eat any vegetable raw, if you wanted to. Can anyone enlighten me.

[ummmm]

//Eating raw bean sprouts may increase your risk of bacterial infection. Raw sprouts may become contaminated with bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli, when beans come in contact with animal manure during growth or storage. The warmth and moisture required to sprout beans provides an environment in which bacteria can easily multiply. Salmonella infection can cause symptoms that include abdominal cramps, nausea, headaches and vomiting. E. coli may produce similar symptoms, and may cause permanent kidney damage in rare cases.//

http://www.livestrong.com/article/456815-can-you-eat-bean-sprouts-raw/

[ummmm]

I never knew that and have always eaten them raw...

[Patsy33]

I remember reading about a year ago that someone contacted E coli ? from eating raw beansprouts in a salad I believe.

[pastafreak]

Some info here...they can carry salmomella,e coli, or listeria...due to how they are grown. http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/types/fruits/sprouts.html

[janzman]

>>when beans come in contact with animal manure during growth

[janzman]

don't no what happened to the rest of that but try again. Ok but the same can be said for any number of vegetables, carrots for example and they are eaten raw.

[ummmm]

I suppose but carrots tend to be washed and peeled. Maybe bean sprouts can't withstand the same process as root veg.

[ummmm]

And we're advised not to wash mushrooms as they soak up water!

[TonyV]

Have grown my own beansprouts just flash fried them never had a problem

[pastafreak]

The problem with sprouts is how they are grown...in warm moist conditions. Perfect for the growth of bacteria...more so than other veg I suppose.

[janzman]

Thanks everyone, I can see the potential problems in the way beansprouts are cultivated and grown, guess I'll just flash fry them, let them cool and then have them in a salad.

[TonyV]

Sounds like a plan

[Buenchico]

>>> I thought you could eat any vegetable raw

I'm not coming to your house for a chilli then, if you don't properly cook the red kidney beans before adding them!
http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/CausesOfIllnessBadBugBook/ucm071092.htm

[rockyracoon]

Blimey, I never knew this. I always eat them raw in cold noodle salads.

[Old_Geezer]

I recall this being mentioned on the tv not too long ago. If the bag says it's ok then they've dealt with the problem, otherwise you're taking a risk.

[diddlydo]

My latest packet of powdered cumin says "Do not eat raw" which I've never seen before. Well, I have used it raw in e.g. humus and everyone's still alive.