• The term "sprouts" refers to the germinating form of various beans and seeds, the most common being alfalfa, beans such as kidney, pinto and soy, and dill, mustard, pumpkin and radish. As the popularity of bean sprouts has grown, so has the evidence of risks associated with eating raw sprouts such as used in salads and sandwiches. The Food and Drug Administration has issued an advisory against the consumption of raw sprouts. Fully cooked sprouts are exempt from this advisory.
  
  

E. Coli 0157:H7

• Raw or lightly cooked bean sprouts present the threat of exposure to E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria. This risk is greater for seniors, young children and individuals with weak immune systems. The bacteria causes colitis or diarrhea, pain and bloody stools by producing the intestine-damaging toxin known as Shiga toxin. E. coli 0157:H7 is considered a major health problem that afflicts over 70,000 patients annually in the United States. Though the bacterium lives harmlessly in the intestines of cattle, birds and reptile, it is extremely dangerous if transmitted to humans.
  
  

Salmonella

• The consumption of raw bean sprouts can lead to salmonella infection in humans. Similar to the E. coli infection, salmonella poses a higher health risk for the older and younger age groups and weaker immune systems. Salmonella infection is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. It is also possible to develop abdominal cramping due to salmonella. Symptoms related to salmonella poisoning are commonly referred to as food poisoning, and over 1.4 million people are afflicted with the infection every year in the United States.
  
  

Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome

• Eating infected bean sprouts can lead to the potential development of a serious condition connected with the E. coli infection known as haemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, in a small percentage of people. HUS is a blood clotting disease of the capillaries, the smallest of the blood vessels in the human body. When the red blood cells try to pass through these clogged capillaries, they are torn in the process. This continual damage of the red blood cells leads to buildup of urea and other waste products in the bloodstream as the kidneys fail to filter and dispose of the waste.