The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today states that the French Authorities are investigating an outbreak of foodborne illness caused by Verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) 0104:H4. This is the same strain as that identified in the recent large outbreak in Germany associated with bean sprouts. Preliminary indications suggest that bean sprouts could be also be implicated in this French outbreak. The FSAI states that in Ireland, no cases of human illness associated with Verotoxigenic E. coli O104:H4 have been found. However, until further information is available, as a precautionary measure the FSAI is advising Irish consumers not to eat raw bean sprouts. 

In France, there are eight reported cases of (Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome - HUS). Verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) 0104:H4 has been isolated from some of those reported ill in France. Most of these people have eaten bean sprouts (sprouted seeds) and, given that the causative microbe is the same as in the outbreak in Germany, it is considered by the French at this time that bean sprouts are the most likely cause of the outbreak there.
 
The source of the bean sprouts or the seeds from which they were sprouted is not known at this time and is the subject of ongoing investigation. The implicated bean sprouts are unlikely to have originated in the German organic bean sprout farm as this farm is closed and it is known not to have exported bean sprouts. This French outbreak is thought to be separate from that which is ongoing in Germany. The French Authorities are carrying out a full investigation including traceback and microbiological examination of suspect foodstuffs.

"Until we identify the precise source of this outbreak, we are advising Irish consumers not to eat raw or uncooked bean sprouts and we are advising caterers not to serve raw bean sprouts," said Prof Alan Reilly, Chief Executive of the FSAI. "Bean sprouts (or sprouted seeds) are produced from a wide variety of seeds. Despite extensive investigation across Germany the exact type or origin of contaminated beans/seeds has not yet been identified. This second outbreak in France suggests that there could be a source of contaminated seeds in Europe that are being used to produce sprouts.
 
“In Ireland, no cases of human illness associated with this strain of E. coli have been found. However, until the investigations in France and Germany are concluded, as a precautionary measure we advise consumers not to eat raw bean sprouts for the time being,” he says. 
 
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as and when necessary.