Alfalfa Sprout Products Recalled Over Possible Salmonellosis Taint

Amid concerns of possible links with the recent Salmonellosis outbreak in Oregon and Washington State, Sprouters Northwest, Inc. of Kent, Washington, Friday, announced a voluntary recall of its alfalfa sprout products including alfalfa sprouts, onion sprouts, and salad sprouts.

As many as 13 people have reportedly fallen ill with the Salmonella Typhimirium infection tied with the consumption of raw alfalfa sprouts, till date, the state Health Department said.

Products distributed in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska in retail stores and through wholesale produce suppliers and sold under the brand name ‘Sprouters Northwest’ carrying the ‘best by date’ of 9/17/08 or earlier have been highlighted in the recall, company official’s state.

The recalled products include:

• 5oz alfalfa sprout cups UPC - 033383701417,
• 4oz alfalfa clamshells UPC-815098001088,
• 1lb bags of alfalfa sprouts UPC - 079566123508,
• 2lb trays of alfalfa sprouts UPC – 079566123492,
• 5oz salad cups UPC - 033383702674,
• 4oz salad clamshells UPC - 815098002061,
• 5oz alfalfa onion sprout cups UPC - 033383701905,
• 4oz onion sprout clamshells UPC – 815098002054.

Furthermore, taking full responsibility of the recall, the company urges consumers who have purchased any of these items to return them at the place of purchase for a full refund.

Salmonella Typhimiriumis, a bacterial infection responsible for intestinal infections is typically characterized with symptoms including fever, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal paindefine

Though the infection typically clears itself in a week’s time without medical intervention, in rare circumstances, the bacterium can penetrate into the bloodstream producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis. Young children, frail or elderly people and those with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.

While Sprouters Northwest, Inc. is working closely with federal officials and the Food and Drug Administration to determine the possible cause of the outbreak, it is believed that the infection transmitted from infective farm animals grazing in alfalfa fields – through fecal route.

Once a contaminated harvest comes in contact with processing machinery and harvests from other fields, the bacterium spreads easily in the moist and humid environment. Preferred cooking or proper washing of sprouts is the best remedy against the infection, health officials noted.