American Gouda Lovers Beware

European health officials are testing fenugreek seeds for E. coli 0104, the deadly strain behind Europe's massive E. coli outbreak ("As of today 11 Jul 2011, the cumulative number of non-HUS [hemolytic uremic syndrome] STEC [Shiga toxin producing _Escherichia coli_] cases in the EU is 3041, including 16 deaths, and 757 HUS STEC cases, including 28 deaths."--ProMED)

Fenuwhaaaa? Fenugreek seeds are used for sprouts, but I know them better as an unexpected addition to some cheese curds and Goudas. The seeds have a nutty texture and a very subtle maple flavor. The seed is traditionally used in Indian cooking in curries. 

Egyptian official are denying that their seeds contained the deadly bacteria, but if there's anything we in the food safety community have learned in the past few years...cough Peanut Corp. of America cough...bacteria will surprise you. 

They sometimes survive in dry, arid environments and shatter our paradigms of critical control points.

Cheesemakers, beware! I recommend checking with your supplier for the source of your fenugreek seeds, or giving them a good roast.

Addendum: A loyal reader, DJ GosaGosaka (follow her on twitter @gosagosaka) noted that fenugreek is often used homeopathically to increase milk production in breastfeeding women. And hence I learned a new word: galactogogue! (A substance to increase milk production.) A quick Pubmed search found few clinical studies performed to test its effects...and some reported adverse effects like a maple-like odor to urine and sweat, diarrhea, and aggravation of asthmatic symptoms. Mothers, beware, too!