Nutrition Facts with Dr. Greger

The Dangers of Foodborne Pathogens

Jan 29, 2026
They break down why raw alfalfa sprouts and some seeds can carry salmonella and other bacteria. They compare contamination risks between sprouts, eggs, ground beef, and poultry. They explore links between contaminated chicken and E. coli urinary tract infections. They discuss pesticide spray water potentially spreading norovirus and ways to reduce produce microbial risk.
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ADVICE

Don't Eat Raw Sprouts

  • Avoid eating raw alfalfa, clover, mung bean, or sprouted chia due to Salmonella and Listeria risk.
  • Cook or choose safer sprouts like broccoli sprouts to reduce foodborne illness risk.
INSIGHT

Seed Structure Affects Contamination Risk

  • Seed contamination can hide bacteria in the nooks of alfalfa seeds making home growing unsafe.
  • Broccoli sprouts have smoother seeds and far lower contamination in tests, making them safer to grow.
ADVICE

Grow Broccoli Sprouts Instead

  • If you want sprouts, grow broccoli sprouts at home as they are easy, cheap, and safer.
  • Broccoli sprouts also provide sulforaphane with multiple potential health benefits.
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