The European Union forbids imports of seeds from Egypt

Brussels has decided to forbid imports of seeds from Egypt until October 31st.

The EFSA, European Agency for Food Safety, established a direct link between the deadly epidemic that hit Germany and France and fenugreek seeds imported from Egypt. The European Commission has demanded the withdrawal of Egyptian seeds of the European market and the temporary ban, until October 31st, of all imports of seeds and grains from Egypt.

If fenugreek seeds have been contaminated during production in Egypt, the bacteria E. coli have the ability to survive for years under the envelopes of seeds. The addition of water during germination is sufficient to wake up the bacteria and allows them to multiply quickly in the seed germinated.
 

source : le figaro, ladepeche, lepoint, 20 minutes