Salmonella alert over raw bean sprouts

Eating raw bean sprouts could be dangerous for your health, according to a new study.

Researchers warned of the dangers of eating raw bean sprouts after they were linked with at least 141 recent cases of a rare form of salmonella, reported the Daily Express.

An old woman passed away and eight other people fell ill after a salmonella Bareilly outbreak caused by eating bean sprouts at a wedding in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, in August.

Professor Qutub Syed from the North West Health Protection Agency said raw sprouts should be kept separate from other salad and cooked until 'piping hot'.

Infections can be particularly severe for infants, the elderly and people with impaired immune systems.

But death from salmonella infection is rare. The majority of patients with salmonella infection recover without treatment.