Sprouts are vulnerable to bacterial contamination because of the warm, moist and nutrient-rich conditions in which they grow. They have frequently been associated with outbreaks of foodborne illness. The Produce Safety final rule includes specific requirements in Subpart M for most sprouts. This subpart does not cover sprouts that are soil- or substrate-grown and are harvested without their roots. All sprouts, including those not covered under Subpart M, are covered produce subject to the other provisions of the produce rule as applicable.
