Experts are warning people against eating raw bean sprouts after it emerged they are linked to several cases of a potentially fatal food poisoning bug.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) says there have been 15 recorded cases of the rare Salmonella Barielly infection in Sussex and Surrey since August.

This includes two cases in Brighton and Hove.

The infections have been linked to contaminated bean sprouts and health officials are warning people to be on their guard.

There have already been more than 200 similar cases across the UK since August compared to the fewer than ten cases of the infection normally seen each month.

The bug has been linked to one death in the north of England and another patient from the London area is being treated in hospital.

However officials say the sprouts are safe to eat as long as they are cooked and prepared properly.

People are advised to wash the raw vegetables thoroughly before using them.

Joe Kearney, a director with the HPA's local and regional services division, said: “As the outbreak continues, it is important for caterers and people who buy bean sprouts to eat at home to ensure that these products are properly prepared and cooked until they are piping hot unless they are clearly labelled as "ready-to-eat".

“People who prepare meals in catering establishments and in the home should keep raw bean sprouts separate from other salad products, including ready-to-eat bean sprouts, to avoid the risk of cross-contamination.”

A spokesman for the HPA said they were not telling people to avoid eating bean sprouts altogether, but to just take extra precautions.