Jun 4, 2004 (CIDRAP News) A firm in Kent, Wash., is recalling raw alfalfa sprouts because they may be linked with a recent increase in Salmonella infections in Washington and Oregon, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced yesterday.
Sprouters Northwest Inc. is recalling 2-, 3-, and 5-pound trays of sprouts sent to various institutions, the FDA said. The agency said 12 cases of Salmonella Bovismorbificans infection possibly linked to consumption of raw alfalfa sprouts have been reported.
The FDA repeated its standard warning that raw sprouts may pose a health risk. People at high risk for serious complications of foodborne disease, and people who simply want to reduce their risk of foodborne illness, should not eat raw sprouts, the agency said. People at risk for complications include children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
S Bovismorbificans is rarely seen in the United States but can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immunity, the FDA said.
The agency said it is working with state officials and the company to determine the cause of the problem and possible steps to correct it. Food service operations that have the recalled product should not use it and should contact the company at 253-872-0577, officials said.
People who have experienced fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain after eating raw sprouts should contact their physician or the local health department, the FDA advised.
See also:
Jun 3 FDA news release
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2004/ucm108307.htm
