Researcher Finds Way to Rid Sprouts of Salmonella

Researcher Finds Way to Rid Sprouts of Salmonella

August 12, 2003
The Windsor Star
A5
Sharon Hill Agriculture Writer
Magdalena Kostrzynska, from the Food Research Program of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Guelph, Ont., was cited as saying that  bacteriophages could be sprayed on alfalfa seeds and sprouts to kill salmonella bacteria.
The story says that from the research done in the last few years, Kostrzynska said she expects Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will seek a patent. She said alfalfa sprout producers could use the mixture she
developed to spray on alfalfa seeds or sprouts before they reach stores.

It would dramatically reduce the risk of food poisoning from fresh alfalfa sprouts. Kostrzynska said washing the sprouts won’t kill all the salmonella if it is present and many people don’t cook the sprouts.