June 2019

This guidance document is intended to make the sprout seed industry (seed growers, conditioners, packers, holders, suppliers, and distributors) aware of FDA’s serious concern with the continuing outbreaks of foodborne illness associated with the consumption of raw and lightly-cooked sprouts and to provide our recommendations to firms throughout the production chain of seed for sprouting.  Throughout this guidance document, we refer to everything that can be sprouted, including beans, as “seeds.”  

FDA’s guidance documents, including this guidance, do not establish legally enforceable responsibilities.  Instead, guidances describe our current thinking on a topic and should be viewed only as recommendations, unless specific regulatory or statutory requirements are cited.  The use of the word should in FDA guidances means that something is suggested or recommended, but not required. 

Download the Draft Guidance

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Related Information

• Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts from One Contaminated Seed Lot
• FDA Investigated Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts
• CPG Sec. 555.750 Seeds for Sprouting Prior to Food Use, i.e., Dried Mung Beans, Alfalfa Seeds, Etc.
• Additional Produce Guidance