The alliance is made up of growers, suppliers and other sprout related groups concerned over retailers gradual withdrawal of sales. Members of the alliance will be part of a verification system that demonstrates compliance with rigorous food safety measures.
“The sprouting industry knows how to produce safe sprouts,” said Dr. Jeffrey Sholl, president of The Vista Institute, in a statement. “Problems occur when a sprouter doesn’t comply with safe growing practices. We wanted to form an alliance of growers that are not only prepared and dedicated to complying with government guidelines, but able to meet additional rigorous standards that the Sprout Alliance for Safety and Science are developing.”
The alliance said it has three core functions:
- Develop, maintain and provide verification for a set of science-based operating standards that represent best current knowledge on how to grow safe sprouts.
- Provide a common communication channel to get important and factual messages regarding sprouts out to the trade and consumers.
- Invest in important scientific research, training and education.
