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May 26, 2010

Salmonella Outbreak Prompts Alfalfa Sprouts Recall

Public Health Officials are Tracking Idaho Cases

Idaho Public Health officials are warning consumers about a nationwide recall of alfalfa sprouts produced by Caldwell Fresh Foods located in Maywood, California (not Caldwell, ID) and sold under several label names in states located in the West, Midwest and South. The sprouts have been identified as the source of an outbreak of salmonellosis. All Caldwell-produced alfalfa sprout products are covered by the recall.

To date, over 20 cases from 10 states have matched the Salmonella strain under investigation, Salmonella Newport. Five Idaho cases are currently under investigation and possibly linked to the outbreak.

“Alfalfa sprouts have been identified as the cause of a foodborne outbreak,” said Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, Deputy State Epidemiologist with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. “Consumers who have sprouts at home should check to see if they have the recalled brands, and if so they should discard them immediately. Retailers should immediately check their stocks and pull any Caldwell-produced product.”

The recalled sprouts were packaged under several brand names. They include:

• 4-ounce plastic cups and one pound plastic bags under the Caldwell Fresh Foods brand;
• 4-ounce plastic cups under the Nature’s Choice brand;
• 5-ounce plastic clamshell containers under the California Fresh Exotics brand; and
• 2-pound and 5-pound plastic bags in cardboard boxes with a Caldwell Fresh Foods sticker.

Investigations are currently under way in Idaho to determine if there was any in-state product distribution to retail outlets, restaurants and delis. Retailers and wholesalers who hold any of the recalled sprouts should segregate them from other produce and contact their distributor or Caldwell [(323)-589-4008] for additional information. Restaurant and deli operators should check their stock immediately to identify and pull any of the recalled product.

Salmonellosis is an acute bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Symptoms usually develop within one to five days after eating contaminated food. Most cases resolve without the need for medical attention, and antibiotics are not advised for most persons with uncomplicated illness. The risk of severe illness is particularly high among the elderly, the immunocompromised, and the very young. People who have eaten sprouts and developed severe symptoms should discuss this exposure with a health care provider. Some people with salmonellosis develop serious illness that can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Details of the recall may be found at the FDA website.

To learn more about the nationwide outbreak visit the CDC website.