What type of sprout was recalled across Europe during the 2011 E. coli outbreak linked to Germany?

Fenugreek sprouts were recalled across Europe during the 2011 E. coli outbreak linked to Germany.

The outbreak involved Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli O104:H4 and began in northern Germany. Investigators initially focused on cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce, but later epidemiological work connected illnesses to sprouts grown from contaminated seeds. Fenugreek seeds imported from Egypt were identified as the likely source of contamination.

The outbreak caused thousands of illnesses, including many cases of bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can damage the kidneys. Sprout producers withdrew affected batches, and authorities issued warnings against eating raw sprouts.

The event is sometimes described simply as a cucumber outbreak because cucumbers were an early suspect. The confirmed investigation instead centered on sprouted seeds and fenugreek seed lots.