Alfalfa Sprout Recall Salmonella

By: Michael Stevens
05/23/2010 08:06 AM ET

Alfalfa sprout recall over salmonella outbreak. Alfalfa sprout products are on the recall list manufactured by Caldwell Fresh Foods in California. More than 20 people have been sickened from salmonella contamination in at least 10 states.

“Consumers who are experiencing illness after consuming our sprouts should seek medical attention. Consumers that have purchased alfalfa [...] manufactured by Caldwell Fresh Foods are urged to return them to the place of purchase for refund or dispose of them,” the company said in a statement. In addition, the company made this announcement, “The FDA currently advises all consumers to cook… before eating them. And it recommends that the young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems should not eat…” the vegetable.

The affected brands announced last Friday that include Caldwell Fresh Foods, Nature’s Choice, and California Exotics. The company said no deaths have been reported but four cases involved hospitalization when they experienced high fever, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain. The vegetables were distributed in plastic cups and plastic bags under the company to nationwide restaurants and retailers including Wal-Mart, Canton Foods, and Trader Joe’s retail stores.

Sprouted seeds, typically from plants like alfalfa, are grown in moist, warm environments where harmful pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli can thrive. In fact, Salmonella outbreaks in the past have been linked to the vegetable. The CDC is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are currently investigating the strain called “Salmonella Newport.”