A number of articles warn against using regular seeds for sprouting because they contain fungicides, may be old and won't germindate well, and are not specifically designed for sprouting.

 

The Sound of the Sprouts says:

"Most of our customers ask us what is the difference between sprouting seeds, beans wheat and nuts and regular beans, wheat, and nuts?  Sprouting seeds, beans, wheat, and nuts are the freshest seeds you can find with a very high germination rate without any chemical treatment.  Regular grocery seeds can be 10 days old or 10 years old.  You can use sprouting seeds, beans wheat, and nuts for sprouting, sprouting greens and cooking.  But you should not use regular beans, wheat, and nuts for spouting.  In most cases, regular seeds, beans, wheat, and nuts germination rate is low or none and you do not get good results."

 

 

What Are the Benefits of Sprouting Seeds? points out:

 

"When growing sprouts at home, look for seeds that have been specially prepared for sprouting. They will be clearly labeled for this purpose and can be found in many health food stores. These have been cleaned and are less likely to contain pathogenic bacteria. Avoid seeds that are packaged for growing into mature plants. Such seed packets will likely include planting, growing, and harvesting instructions and have not been cleaned for the purpose of being consumed as sprouts."