Policy on Managing Health Risk Associated with the Consumption of Sprouted Seeds and Beans

This policy on sprouted seeds and beans was developed following a health risk assessment (Health Canada, 2001, updated 2006). Health Canada's current opinion is that the contamination of sprouted seeds and beans originates from poor hygienic practices, in the field during seed production or in the plant during sprout production, including the lack of a disinfection step, and that the risk of transmission can be reduced to a minimum using Good Agricultural and Good Manufacturing Practices.