Think twice before buying that pouch of healthy looking sprouts from vegetable vendors or supermarket shelves as your protein-rich sprouts may contain killer E coli, say doctors. Sprouts, one of the healthiest sources of protein with vitamins and minerals, have recently been found to be containing deadliest strain of Escherichia coli (EHEC) 0104:H4 – a new mutant type of E coli bacteria which is resistant to more than 14 kinds of antibiotics
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is thinking of including sprouts in the policy guidelines for vegetable consumers. Sprout contamination issue was also discussed at the national-level expert committee meet in New Delhi which was organised to gather data on bitter bottle gourd poisoning cases.
Extensive investigations by German researchers revealed that the new type of bacteria that causes diarrhoea with blood and leads to kidney failure is found in sprouted beans that includes moong, chana, rajma and non-chlorinated swimming pool water, informed Dr Shravan Bohra, chief gastroenterologist at Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad and secretary Gujarat Society of Gastroenterology.
Wide temperature swings, improper storage and unhygienic cultivation practices trigger growth of harmful and sometimes killer bacteria in sprouts, he added. After the cases of hemorrhagic diarrhoea came up first in Germany this May, they were reported in Switzerland, Austria and other countries in EU. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a health warning on use of contaminated sprouts.
The president of Gujarat Society of Gastroenterology, Dr Deval Parikh, said, “Due to factors like excess use of chemical manure, pesticides and at times faulty storage conditions, some vegetables and sprouts become toxic and over-mature or get contaminated with harmful bacterial growth. They turn bitter or distasteful or become sticky and smelly. The major precautions that one needs to take before consuming vegetables is to check their taste, smell and thoroughly wash them with warm water before use.” It is safer to use sprouts cultivated at home.
The quality of sprouted beans available in markets is suspect as they are at times cultivated in contaminated water which in turn contaminates the sprouts, say experts. “It is safer to wash vegetables and sprouts with potassium permanganate solution (1 to 2 grains in one litre of water) before use. And sprouts must be boiled before use as a precautionary measure,” said Bohra.
