Alfalfa Seeds
Alfalfa seeds themselves are low concern, but raw sprouted alfalfa has been repeatedly associated with foodborne illness outbreaks (Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria) — the warm, humid sprouting conditions support pathogen growth.
What it is
Seeds of Medicago sativa (alfalfa) — used for sprouting (raw alfalfa sprouts).
Whole food / sprouted vegetable; salad, sandwich topping.
Why it's flagged
- Salmonella / E. coli / Listeria outbreaks from raw sprouts
- canavanine content (alfalfa-related lupus-like syndrome reported in primates at very high doses)
What regulators actually say
"In December 2022, SunSprout Enterprises initiated a voluntary recall of raw alfalfa sprouts due to potential contamination with Salmonella. This outbreak resulted in 63 illnesses, 10 hospitalizations across eight states."
"Subpart M—Sprouts. The requirements of this subpart apply to all sprouts, except soil- or substrate-grown sprouts harvested without their roots."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Sprouts subject to 21 CFR 112 Subpart M (FSMA Produce Safety Rule sprouts requirements)
European Union — EFSA
EU sprout-specific microbiological criteria under Reg 209/2013
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