Recent foodborne illness outbreaks associated with consumption of sprouts have heightened consumers' food safety concerns regarding this commodity. Perceived as a potential alternative, microgreens have become increasingly popular. Microgreens are usually a few days older than seed sprouts, can be grown hydroponically, or in soils, and are harvested without the roots. The proposed FSMA produce safety rule requires special seed treatments and other requirements for growing sprouts due to their unique food safety risks. However, whether this same rule should apply to microgreens is unclear. This proposed symposium will bring together leading researchers, growers, and regulators in this field to share their knowledge, experience, and perspectives. The outcome of this symposium will be a clearer understanding of the differences/similarities of sprouts vs. microgreens in terms of their botanical structures, agricultural practices, and food safety risks, thus contributing to the development of future food safety regulations that are risk-based, and enforceable. Furthermore, information gathered can also be used by microgreen and sprout growers to optimize their operations in order to further improve the safety of these otherwise nutritious food products.

Presentations