EU Bans Import of Egyptian Fenugreek over Deadly Bacteria

The European Union has banned the import of Egyptian fenugreek seeds. Photo by EPA-BGNES

The European Union has banned the import of Egyptian fenugreek and has removed the already imported quantities from its market due to the ongoing dangerous e. coli, which is highly probable to have originated from the product.

The European Commission was quick to react Tuesday after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). urged it to do everything possible to stop consumers from further exposure to the seeds. The agency also warned consumers against eating sprouts or sprouted seeds unless they are thoroughly cooked.

"The analysis of information from the French and German outbreaks leads to the conclusion that an imported lot of fenugreek seeds which was used to grow sprouts imported from Egypt by a German importer is the most common likely link," the EFSA said, as cited by the Guardian.

A wide range of products have already been blamed for the deadly outbreak that has killed 50 people in Europe (48 of the victims were in Germany, one in Sweden and one in France) and sickened more than 4000.

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