CDC renews sprout warning: Cook them, or stay away altogether

ATLANTA - Federal health officials have renewed warnings about alfalfa sprouts, urging Americans to cook them thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria and recommending that some people stay away altogether. <br> <br> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Thursday that the sprouts, often served raw and crunchy atop sandwiches and salads, are nutritious. But they can be contaminated with salmonella or E. coli bacteria. <br> <br> The Food and Drug Administration warned Americans four years ago not to eat raw alfalfa, clover and other types of sprouts after hundreds of reports of sickness caused by bacteria-laden sprouts. <br> <br> The new warning came after a CDC investigation of a salmonella outbreak that sickened 32 people last year in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. The outbreak, which caused diarrhea and urinary tract infections, was traced to a batch of raw alfalfa sprouts. <br> <br> The CDC says even washed sprouts need to be fully cooked to kill any bacteria. And people at higher risk for sickness -- the elderly, children and the chronically ill -- should avoid eating them altogether.