Customer information on the current situation regarding EFEC in bean sprouts

6.6.2011

Dear Customers and Consumers,

According to reports from various authorities, bean sprouts have caused the current EHEC crisis. People are strongly advised not to consume raw bean sprouts.

SOTO uses mung bean sprouts in a number of products (Tofuburger Vital, Energy Mini Burgers, China, Thai and Mini Spring Rolls). These products are all deep-fried until they are cooked through.

SOTO’s production process deep fries all items at a temperature of approx. 175°C. HACCP calls for regular checks of the core temperature. This briefly exceeds 80°C, and remains at 70° for up to 10 minutes.

The only supplier is a regional grower in Grafing, Bavaria. This supplier grows all his own sprouts, and never buys any in from other companies. To date, there has not been the slightest suspicion of EHEC in this company. None of the analyses carried out so far, including those of current batches, show any traces of EHEC bacteria. No fertiliser is used, so there is no risk of contact with substances of animal origin. No links have been made to any of the EHEC outbreaks, nor is the same seed lot used. Likewise, the results of current seed analyses show no sign of EHEC bacteria.

This confirms that our products are not affected by the EHEC crisis, and can safely be consumed.

With best wishes from the Chiemgau,

Your SOTO team