The European Commission has announced a ban on the import of certain types of seeds from Egypt after fenugreek seeds from the country were linked to the E. coli outbreaks in Germany and France.

The Commission said yesterday (5 June) that the ban followed a European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) report that said the seeds were the “most likely common link” to the outbreaks.

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It said that member states have to ensure that all lots of fenugreek seeds imported from one Egyptian exporter between 2009 and 2011 are withdrawn from the market, sampled and destroyed. It has also suspended the import of Egyptian seeds and beans for sprouting until 31 October.

Some 50 people died following the outbreak of E. coli in Germany during May.

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