If you belong to one of the groups at high risk for food-borne disease--children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems--avoid raw alfalfa sprouts.


If you are a healthy adult, follow these tips:

1. Buy only sprouts kept at refrigerator temperature. Select crisp-looking sprouts with the buds attached. Avoid musty-smelling, dark, or slimy-looking sprouts.
2. Refrigerate sprouts at home. The refrigerator should be set at no higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius).
3. Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw foods.
4. Rinse sprouts thoroughly with water before use. Rinsing can help remove surface dirt. Do not use soap or other detergents.