05/24/2010 // West Palm Beach, Florida, USA // Nicole Howley // Nicole Howley
Washington, D.C.—An outbreak of salmonella that has caused over 22 people in 10 states to become ill prompted Caldwell Fresh Foods to voluntarily recall alfalfa sprouts. The nationwide recall was announced on Friday, May 21, 2010, as reported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Alfalfa sprouts manufactured under Caldwell Fresh Foods, Nature’s Choice and California Exotic brands are involved in the recall.
A total of 22 cases of Salmonella Newport infections have been confirmed in Arizona (1), California (11), Colorado (1), Idaho (1), Illinois (1), Missouri (1), New Mexico (1), Nevada (2), Oregon (1), and Wisconsin (2). No deaths have been reported, but six of the cases caused hospitalization.
The recalled alfalfa sprouts are labeled and packaged as:
• 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 tainted sprouts were distributed to restaurants and retailer’s including Trader Joe’s and Wal-Mart stores.
The FDA stated, “Salmonella is a bacterium 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 may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Consumers who are experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention.”
The FDA, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state authorities are investigating the outbreak.
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