Letters

Vegetarian Times, Dec, 1999

Sprout Safety

I was surprised by your article on sprouts ["Attack of the Killer Sprouts," September, p. 18]. The concern over sprouts has more to do with the production process than the sprouts themselves. The Food and Drug Administration has in fact issued health advisories regarding sprouts much as it has for other food products.

Sprout growers who follow appropriate production procedures can and do produce sprouts with minimal risk. These sprouts are a beneficial addition to the fresh fruit and vegetable portion of the diet. Broccoli sprouts in particular, which contain sulforaphane GS, may have an active role in cancer prevention.

We at the Sholl Group have engaged a number of sprout growers who operate within our strict guidelines to produce sprouts under the Fresh Alternatives brand. Because they're produced under Good Manufacturing Practices and subject to appropriate microbiological testing and independent third-party audits, Fresh Alternatives broccoli sprouts are the only ones tested for and that guarantee a specific sulforaphane GS content.

I am certain that the intent of your article was only to alert your readers to a potential problem.

Art Davis, Ph.D.
Vice President/Operations
The Sholl Group
Minneapolis, Minn.

Calories Count

In "Vegetarian? Or Anorexic?" [September, p. 104], I was quoted as saying, "In general, girls aged 11 to 18 need 2,200 calories a day--more if they're physically active." I would like to specify that girls aged 11 to 18 need 2,200 calories at rest and those who are physically active may require 3,000 or more calories a day.

Amy Tuttle, R.D., L.S.W.
Director of Nutrition Services
Renfrew Center