FAO, WHO Report on Microbial Control of Seeds for Sprouting
The Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Meetings on Microbiological Risk Assessment (JEMRA) recently published a technical report on the prevention and control of microbiological hazards in seeds for sprouts.
Experts reviewed publicly available literature and regulatory and industry guidelines to assess the current state of knowledge on controlling microbiological hazards in sprouts. Pathogens associated with sprouts and potential routes of contamination were identified and characterized. The experts also evaluated intervention measures at different points along the sprout supply chain, and the report highlights control measures that are most effective in reducing incidents of foodborne illnesses linked to sprouts.