Steve Meyerowitz is, apparently, the Sproutman.  Although I disagree with his analysis of the numbers–i.e. Sprouts have caused a hell of a lot more foodborne illnesses than 2,000 in the last 40 years–it’s good to see an industry man who recognizes the risks associated with his product, and who cares enough about consumer health to advocate that his fellow sprout devotees do all they can, by way of researching and developing new pasteurization methods, to reduce risks. 

Nonetheless, I am not a convert, and I never will be.  I feel too much for those sickened and hospitalized in the recent outbreaks and recalls linked to sprouts.  Let us not forget that there are over 120 people in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, and Kansas (not to mention the sprouts/listeria recall or the Calco, Inc sprouts advisory), and a bunch in Michigan, who (1) probably didn’t know the risks associated with sprouts and (2) wouldn’t have thought it could happen to them anyway. 

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Photo of Drew Falkenstein Drew Falkenstein

Drew Falkenstein joined Marler Clark in January, 2004 and has concentrated his practice in representing victims of foodborne illness. He has litigated nationwide against some of the biggest food corporations in the world, including Dole, Kellogg’s, and McDonald’s.  He has worked on landmark…

Drew Falkenstein joined Marler Clark in January, 2004 and has concentrated his practice in representing victims of foodborne illness. He has litigated nationwide against some of the biggest food corporations in the world, including Dole, Kellogg’s, and McDonald’s.  He has worked on landmark cases that have helped shape food safety policy, HACCP protocol, and consumer rights, such as the E. coli outbreak in fresh spinach in 2006 and the 2008 Peanut Corporation of America outbreak of Salmonella. A frequent speaker for the not-for-profit organization Outbreak, Inc, Mr. Falkenstein travels the country to address public and environmental health organizations as well as food safety meetings and annual educational conferences.  He speaks on the intersection of law and public health, and addresses companies on how to prevent food borne illness outbreaks.