The event is due to take place at the newly renovated International Regatta Course in Allermoehe near Hamburg on June 17-19.

"The decision to withdraw is based on a risk-assessment relating to the continuing issue of E-coli in the area," GB Rowing said in a statement.

Bean sprouts produced in Germany have been blamed outbreak that has killed 24 people.

All the cases have been traced back to near Hamburg in northern Germany.

The German Government has been criticised at home and around Europe for failing so far to pin down the cause of the outbreak that has stricken more than 2,700 people in 12 countries.

About one third of E coli patients in the latest outbreak have developed a severe complication called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) affecting the blood, kidneys and nervous system.

Britain's decision to withdraw follows an announcement yesterday by FISA, rowing's world governing body, that the event would go ahead as planned despite the health crisis.

They claimed that they had received reassurances that everything would be safe after a series of measures, including removing and destorying any vegetables that could transmit the disease and ensuring that drinking water at the regatta course and in the hotels would be safe to drink. 

"Based on these actions and recommendations, the FISA Executive Committee is confident that there is no particular risk for participants and that the Hamburg stage of the 2011 Samsung World Rowing Cup series should go forward as planned without hesitation," FISA said.

Britain won five gold medals at the opening World Cup meeting in Munich last month but their absence from Hamburg will disrupt their preparations for the World Championships, which are due to be held in Bled, Slovenia, between August 28 and September 4. 

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