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Alfalfa Sprouts Recalled in Salmonella Outbreak

New incident reported in Washington state

September 9, 2008

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With the Salmonella-St. Paul outbreak finally contained, the Food and Drug Administration reports 13 cases of Salmonella Typhimirium in Oregon and Washington State. The outbreak is apparently linked with the consumption of raw alfalfa sprouts.

Sprouters Northwest, Inc. of Kent, Washington is recalling its alfalfa sprout products - including alfalfa sprouts, onion sprouts, and salad sprouts - because they may be linked to the recent outbreak.

Salmonella Typhimiriumis an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which maybe bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis - swelling of the lining of the heart - and arthritis. Individuals who may have experienced any of the above symptoms after eating any of the recalled products should contact their health care provider.

The recalled sprouts were distributed in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska in retail stores and through wholesale produce suppliers. The products are Sprouters Northwest brand and include all lot numbers with a best by date of 9/17/08 or earlier of:

• 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

Sprouters Northwest said it is working closely with state officials and the FDA to determine the cause of this problem and what steps can be taken to combat it.

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