On May 21st, Caldwell Fresh Foods of Maywood, CA announced its voluntary recall on all alfalfa sprouts marketed under the Caldwell Fresh Foods, Nature’s Choice, and California Exotics brands; the products may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The recall was issued after Caldwell alfalfa sprouts were associated with an outbreak of Salmonella Newport that has sickened more than 20 people in 10 states, including 11 individuals in California.
Since March 1, a matching strain of Salmonella Newport has been found to have infected 22 people in 10 states, including Arizona (1), California (11), Colorado (1), Indiana (1), Missouri (1), New Mexico (1), Nevada (2), Oregon (1) and Wisconsin (2), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.
No deaths were reported associated with the consumption of raw alfalfa sprouts subject to the recall, but 4 have been hospitalized, according to the press release by the company. The latest case was reported on May 2, 2010.
Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain 12–72 hours after infection. The illness can be severe in young children, elderly people and others with compromised immune systems. Healthy people can overcome the infection without any treatment.
Caldwell Fresh Foods gave the following labeling and packing information to help consumers identify the alfalfa sprouts subject to the recall:
Caldwell Fresh Foods - 4-ounce plastic cups and one pound plastic bags, and 2-pound and 5 pound plastic bags in cardboard boxes with sticker affixed with the printed words Caldwell Fresh Foods.
Nature's Choice - 4-ounce plastic cups
California Exotics brands - 5-ounce plastic clamshell containers
The alfalfa sprouts were distributed to restaurants, delicatessens and retailers nationwide. In California, the company said the recalled products are sold at Kings Super Market, Numero Uno Stores, Cárdenas Markets, Trader Joe's Stores, Gonzalez Northgate Markets, Wal-Mart stores Jons Markets, and Canton Foods.
Alfalfa sprouts produced by the same company that have a bright, round, green sticker affixed to the lids and labels are not affected by this recall.
Caldwell urged consumers who purchased the recalled alfalfa sprouts to return the product to the grocery retailer where they purchased them for a refund or disposal of the product. It also advised that those who had symptoms seek medical attention.
By David Liu and editing by Rachel Stockton
Sources
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm213119.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/newport/index.html
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm213136.htm
http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/types/fruits/sprouts.html
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