Outbreak of Salmonella Bovismorbificans and Multi

Outbreak of Salmonella Bovismorbificans And Multi-State Alfalfa Sprout Recalls

In June 2004 there was a recall of alfalfa sprouts by seven sprout companies.  One recall notice and eight sprout and seed recall notices are listed below, along with a news item from RSSL.

Product recalls and alerts

RSSL Food e-News

Edition 205: 06 – 13 October 2004

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published recalls of products that were manufactured using alfalfa seed lot X3023 from Caudill Seed & Warehouse Inc .  These alfalfa seeds have been associated with an outbreak of Salmonella bovismorbificansinfection;

·                   Sprouters Northwest Inc, ‘Alfalfa Sprouts’

·                   Northland Soy Products Inc, ‘Alfalfa Sprouts’

·                   Down to Earth Sprout Farm, ‘Alfalfa Sprouts’

·                   Sunshine Sprouts, ‘Alfalfa Sprouts’

·                   Caudill Seed and Warehouse Inc ‘Lucerne Seed’ (alfalfa seeds)

·                   Perfect Sprouts, ‘Alfalfa Sprouts’, ‘Green Sprout Mix’, and ‘Zesty Sprout Mix’

·                   Rainbow Garden, ‘Alfalfa Sprouts’

 

 

 

 

Enforcement Report

The FDA Enforcement Report is published weekly by the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services. It contains information on actions taken in connection with agency Regulatory activities.

October 6, 2004
04-40

RECALLS AND FIELD CORRECTIONS: FOODS – CLASS I

PRODUCT
1) Alfalfa Sprouts labeled as: a) LifeForce 100% natural ALFALFA SPROUTS NET WT 4.0 OZ., in rigid plastic clam shell; b) Sprouters ALFALFA NET WT 5 OZ in rigid plastic square “cup” with lid; c) Sprouters NET WT. 1 LB ALFALFA SPROUTS in clear plastic bag. Product also packaged in 2, 3 and 5-pound living trays of Alfalfa sprouts wrapped in plastic and shipped in boxes identified with “Sprouters Northwest, Inc.” logo and “KEEP REFRIGERATED”. Recall # F-552-4; 2) Alfalfa Onion – 5 ounce rigid plastic cups with lid KEEP REFRIGERATED. Recall # F-553-4; 3) SALAD – 5 oz. rigid plastic cup with lid labeled as Sprouters NORTHWEST, INC. SALAD NET WT 5 oz. KEEP REFRIGERATED. Recall # F-554-3.

CODE
7705XX where “77” represents the product as a green leaf such as alfalfa, “05” represents the month (i.e. 5 for May), and “XX” represents the week of the month and the day of the week. The lot codes are 770546, 770611, and 770613.
RECALLING FIRM/MANUFACTURER
Sprouters Northwest, Inc., Kent, WA, by letters on June 3, and June 21, 2004 and by telephone on June 4, 2004. State (WA and OR) initiated recall is complete.
REASON
These sprouts were manufactured using alfalfa seed lot X3023 that was recalled by Caudill Seed & Warehouse Inc. because of its association with an outbreak of Salmonella Bovismorbificans illness.
VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE
Approx. 13,358 lbs.
DISTRIBUTION
OR, WA, ID, AK, NV and CA.

_______________________________
PRODUCT
Alfalfa sprouts packaged in 3.5 oz semi-rigid, lidded plastic cups for retail sale. Recall # F-555-4.
CODE
All product on the market at the time the recall was initiated.
RECALLING FIRM/MANUFACTURER
Northland Soy Products, Inc., Anchorage, AK, by telephone on June 10, 2004, letter on June 11, 2004, and by press release on June 18, 2004. Firm initiated recall is complete.
REASON
These sprouts were manufactured using alfalfa seed lot X3023 that was recalled by Caudill Seed & Warehouse Inc. because of its association with an outbreak of Salmonella Bovismorbificans illness.
VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE
144/3.5 oz. containers and 168/1 lb bags (215 lbs).
DISTRIBUTION
AK

_______________________________
PRODUCT
a) Alfalfa sprouts in 4 oz clear plastic bags. Recall # F-556-4; b) Alfalfa sprouts in 4 oz clear plastic bags also containing radish sprouts. Recall # F-557-4.

CODE
All products on the market at the time the recall was initiated.
RECALLING FIRM/MANUFACTURER
Down To Earth Sprout Farm, Helena, MT, by letter on June 11, 2004, visit on June 12 and 13, 2004 and by press release on June 17, 2004. Firm initiated recall is complete.
REASON
These sprouts were manufactured using alfalfa seed lot X3023 that was recalled by Caudill Seed & Warehouse Inc. because of its association with an outbreak of Salmonella Bovismorbificans illness.
VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE
1014 – 4 oz and 170 – 1 lb packages.
DISTRIBUTION
MT.

_______________________________
PRODUCT
a) Sunshine brand Alfalfa Sprouts in 5 oz. rigid plastic clam shell, 1 pound plastic cup and 6 lb. bulk tray. 5 oz. plastic containers. Recall # F-558-4; b) Sunshine brand Spicy Sprout Mix (alfalfa, radish, and clover) in 5 oz. rigid plastic clam shell. Recall # F-559-4.
CODE
All product sold up to and including June 10, 2004.
RECALLING FIRM/MANUFACTURER
Sunshine Sprouts, Medford, OR, by press release and telephone on June 10, 2004. Firm initiated recall is complete.
REASON
These sprouts were manufactured using alfalfa seed lot X3023 that was recalled by Caudill Seed & Warehouse Inc. because of its association with an outbreak of Salmonella Bovismorbificans illness.
VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE
1,674 lb.
DISTRIBUTION
OR and CA.

_______________________________
PRODUCT
Lucerne seed (alfalfa seeds) packaged in 25kg woven bags. Recall # F-561-4.
CODE
Lot code: “X3023” stamped on woven bag.
RECALLING FIRM/MANUFACTURER
Caudill Seed and Warehouse, Inc., Louisville, KY, by telephone on June 10, 2004 and by letter on June 18, 2004. Firm initiated recall is ongoing.
REASON
Sprouts manufactured using this lot of seed werelinked to an outbreak of Salmonella Bovismorbificans illness.
VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE
800/55 lb. woven bags.
DISTRIBUTION
AK, CA, HI, MT, OR, WA, GU, and Canada.

_______________________________
PRODUCT
a) PERFECT SPROUTS brand Alfalfa Sprouts packaged in 5 ounce and 1 LB. clear plastic package and 2 LB. and 3 LB. black plastic trays. Recall # F-565-4;
b) PERFECT SPROUTS brand Green Sprout Mix packaged in 4 ounce clear plastic containers. Recall # F-566-4;
c) PERFECT SPROUTS brand Zesty Sprout Mix packaged in 4 ounce clear plastic containers. Recall # F-567-4;
CODE
All products on the market at the time the recall was initiated.
RECALLING FIRM/MANUFACTURER
Perfect Sprouts, Mulino, OR, by telephone and press release on June 18, 2004. Firm initiated recall is complete.
REASON
These sprouts were manufactured using alfalfa seed lot X3023 that was recalled by Caudill Seed & Warehouse Inc. because of its association with an outbreak of Salmonella Bovismorbificans illness.
VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE
Approx. 1,200 lbs.
DISTRIBUTION 
OR, and WA.

_______________________________
PRODUCT
Rainbow Garden brand Alfalfa Sprouts in 1 lb. bulk and 4 oz. plastic bags. Recall # F-569-4.
CODE
All product distributed through June 10, 2004.
RECALLING FIRM/MANUFACTURER
Rainbow Garden, Kapa Kauai, HI, by telephone on June 10, 2004, letters on June 22, 2004, and by press release on June 23, 2004. Firm initiated recall is complete.
REASON
These sprouts were manufactured using alfalfa seed lot X3023 that was recalled by Caudill Seed & Warehouse Inc. because of its association with an outbreak of Salmonella Bovismorbificans illness.
VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE 613 lbs.
DISTRIBUTION HI.

 

Enforcement Report

The FDA Enforcement Report is published weekly by the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services. It contains information on actions taken in connection with agency Regulatory activities.

November 3, 2004
04-44

RECALLS AND FIELD CORRECTIONS: FOODS – CLASS I

PRODUCT
a) Garden Fresh Brand Alfalfa Sprouts, raw in 4 oz plastic bag.
Recall # F-069-5;
b) Garden Fresh Brand Salad Sprouts, Alfalfa and/or Clover
Sprouts, raw in 1 lb. plastic bags. Recall # F-070-5.
CODE
No code information is printed on the containers. All product produced prior to 06/04/04 is included in the recall.
RECALLING FIRM/MANUFACTURER
Sun Sen Salad Co Inc, Sacramento, CA, by telephone on June 4, 2004 and Press Release. Firm initiated recall is complete.
REASON
These sprouts were manufactured using alfalfa seed lot X3023 that was recalled by Caudill Seed & Warehouse, Inc. because of its association with an outbreak of Salmonella Bovismorbificans illness.
VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE
900 lbs.
DISTRIBUTION
CA and NV.

Recall

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company

–Firm Press Release

Fuji Natural Foods Recalls Alfalfa Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Becky Satterlee
909-947-1008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Ontario, CA — June 14, 2004 — Fuji Natural Foods is announcing a recall of some alfalfa sprouts because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which 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. 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 and arthritis.

 

The recalled Fuji alfalfa sprouts were distributed to food service distributors and retail stores in California, Arizona, and Nevada.

 

The Fuji Natural Foods alfalfa sprouts are packaged in 4 -ounce cups, two-pound trays, and five-pound trays. In addition, Fuji Spicy Sprouts and Zesty Sprouts, packaged in four-ounce cups, which contain alfalfa sprouts, are also being recalled. A four-digit code number, stamped on the top of the cups and on a sticker on the box enclosing the trays, can be referenced in the recalled code numbers.

Recalled Code Numbers:

·        Fuji Alfalfa Sprouts, 4 oz. Cups: 6110 (322 cases), 6210 (289 cases), 8410 (273 cases), 6510 (9 cases)

·        Fuji Alfalfa Sprouts, 2 lb. trays: 6710 (180 cases)

·        Fuji Alfalfa Sprouts, 5 lb. trans: 6710 (59 cases)

·        Fuji Spicy Sprouts, 4 oz. Cups: 6510 (111 cases)

·        Fuji Zesty Sprouts, 4 oz. Cups: 6610 (74 cases)

·        Fuji Young & Tender Living Alfalfa Sprouts, 4 oz. Cups: 6510 (88 cases)

Recent routine in-house testing has found Salmonella in the irrigation water used to grow sprouts from same seed lot. Fuji has decided as a precaution to recall sprouts grown from this seed lot. To date, none of Fuji’s products in the marketplace have been found to be contaminated or associated with any illness.

 

Customers who purchased these products are urged to return them to the store for a refund.

 

If a customer has a question, he/she may contact Fuji Natural Foods, Inc., customer service, (Becky Satterlee, 909-947-1008).

Northland Soy Products Recalls Alfalfa Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Baruch Souphanavong
907-248-2326

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Anchorage, Alaska — June 18, 2004 — Northland Soy Products of Anchorage, Alaska is recalling their 3.5 ounce packages of Alfalfa Sprouts and 1 pound bulk bags of Alfalfa Sprouts, because it was germinated from seed that has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected withSalmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be 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 and arthritis.

 

The Alfalfa Sprouts were distributed to retail stores and restaurants in Alaska.

The Alfalfa Sprouts are packaged in 3.5 ounce clear plastic rigid containers and labeled with the name of Northland Soy, Inc., Anchorage, AK. The packages do not have any type of coding.

 

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with Northland Soy Products.

 

This recall is being conducted because epidemiological data suggests that the seed used to grow these sprouts have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Consumers who have purchased Northland Soy alfalfa sprouts are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 907-248-2326.

 

Recall

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company

–Firm Press Release

Perfect Sprouts Recalls Perfect Sprouts Brand Alfalfa Sprouts, Green Sprout Mix and Zesty Sprout Mix Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Jeffrey Stone
(503) 829-7082

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Mulino, OR — June 18, 2004 — Perfect Sprouts of Mulino, Oregon is recalling their 4 ounce packages of Perfect Sprouts brand Green Sprout Mix and Perfect Sprouts brand Zesty Sprout Mix , and their 5 ounce, 1 pound, 2 pound and 3 pound packages of Perfect Sprouts brand Alfalfa Sprouts because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella , an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected withSalmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be 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 and arthritis.

 

The Green Sprout Mix, Zesty Sprout Mix and Alfalfa Sprouts were distributed in Oregon and Washington to retail outlets and restaurants.

The Green Sprout Mix and Zesty Sprout Mix come in a 4 ounce, clear plastic package. The Alfalfa Sprouts come in a 5 ounce and 1 pound clear plastic package. The 2 pound and 3 pound Alfalfa Sprouts come in a black plastic tray. There are no codes on the product. Sprouts manufactured using the suspect seed lot were last distributed to wholesalers on June 4, 2004. Further distribution by the wholesalers may have occurred on or after that date.

 

There have been no reported illnesses associated with Perfect Sprouts product.

This recall is being conducted based on the potential problem of seed contamination. As of June 4, 2004, Perfect Sprouts has ceased production and distribution of the affected seed lot. Perfect Sprouts is working with the FDA regarding this recall.

Consumers who have purchased 4 ounce packages of Perfect Sprouts brand Green Sprout Mix and Perfect Sprouts brand Spicy Sprout Mix or 5 ounce, 1 pound, 2 pound and 3 pound packages of Perfect Sprouts brand Alfalfa Sprouts are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (503) 829-7082.

 

Recall

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company

–Firm Press Release

Rainbow Garden Kauai Recalls Alfalfa Sprouts Sold Before June 10, 2004 Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Rainbow Garden Kauai
808-822-1921

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Kapaa, HI — June 23, 2004 — Rainbow Garden Kauai, Kapaa, Hawaii, is recalling its 1 lb. bulk and 4 oz. packages of alfalfa sprouts which were distributed through wholesale/retail/Sunshine market sales on Kauai. The sprouts were germinated from a seed lot which recent epidemiological data suggested may have the potential to be contaminated with SalmonellaBovismorbificans. Healthy persons infected with salmonella may experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Most cases resolve without the need for medical attention.

 

Consumers with the above symptoms should consult with their physician.

 

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with Rainbow Garden Kauai.

The sprouts are packaged in one-pound and four-ounce plastic bags, labeled “Rainbow Garden Kauai Alfalfa Sprouts.” The products are not dated but could have been purchased up through and including June 10, 2004.

 

Rainbow Garden Kauai is working with the FDA regarding this recall, which is voluntary and is a precautionary measure for any sprouts grown from this seed lot which has been implicated in recent illnesses due to infection with Salmonella Bovismorbificans in Oregon and Washington where 14 people were affected.

 

Customers who purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund and anyone with questions may contact Rainbow Garden Kauai, Inc. at 808-822-1921.

 

Sprouters Northwest, Inc. Recalls Raw Alfalfa Sprouts Due to Possible Health Risk

June 3, 2004

The Food and Drug Administration has been alerted that Sprouters Northwest, Inc. of Kent Washington is recalling 2, 3, and 5 lbs. institutional trays of its raw alfalfa sprouts sent to various food institutions because they may be linked to a recent increase in Salmonellosis in Oregon and Washington State. To date, 12 cases of Salmonella Bovismorbificans possibly linked to the consumption of raw alfalfa sprouts have been reported. In light of these outbreaks, FDA is reiterating its previous alerts about eating raw sprouts. Those persons who wish to reduce the risk of foodborne illness from sprouts are advised not to eat raw sprouts. This advice is particularly important for children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems, all of whom are at high risk of developing serious illness due to foodborne disease. People in high-risk categories should not eat raw sprouts.

 

Salmonella Bovismorbificans is an organism rarely seen in the United Stated 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. 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 the heart) and arthritis. Most cases resolve without the need for medical attention.

 

FDA is working closely with state officials and the company to determine the cause of this problem and what steps can be taken to combat it. The agency will provide additional information as it becomes available.

 

Food service institutions which have the recalled product are urged not to use it but to instead contact the company at 253 872 0577.

 

Individuals who may have experienced any of the above symptoms after eating raw alfalfa sprouts should contact their physician or local department of health.

 

Recall

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company

–Firm Press Release

Sunshine Sprouts Recalls Sunshine Brand Alfalfa Sprouts and Sunshine Brand Spicy Sprout Mix Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Sunshine Sprouts
541-951-3721

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Medford, OR — June 10, 2004 — Sunshine Sprouts of Medford, OR is recalling its 5 oz. packages and 6 lb. bulk trays of Sunshine brand Alfalfa Sprouts and its 5 oz. packages of Sunshine brand Spicy Sprout Mix because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella Bovismorbificans, an organism which 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. 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 and arthritis.

 

The Sunshine brand Alfalfa Sprouts and Sunshine brand Spicy Sprout Mix were distributed through retail stores in southern Oregon and northern California.  The alfalfa sprouts come in a 5 oz. clear plastic clam shell and 6 lb. bulk tray and the spicy sprout mix comes in a 5 oz. clear plastic clam shell. The products are not coded but could have been purchased up through and including June 10, 2004.

 

To date,one case of Salmonella Bovismorbificans possibly linked to the consumption of Sunshine brand raw alfalfa sprouts has been reported.

 

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

 

Consumers who have purchased the 5 oz. packages of alfalfa sprouts or spicy sprout mix, or purchased bulk alfalfa sprouts are urged to return product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 541-951-3721.

Recall

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company

–Firm Press Release

Sun-Sen Co. Recalls Alfalfa Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Edwin Wong
916-922-9905

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Sacramento, CA — June 4, 2004 — Sun-Sen, Sacramento, California is recalling all alfalfa sprouts, which were distributed through produce markets to restaurants in California and Nevada because they may be linked to a recent cluster of illnesses in Oregon and Washington State.

 

The sprouts are packaged in one-pound and four-ounce plastic bags. The one-pound bags are labeled “Salad Sprouts” and “Garden Fresh Daily.” The four-ounce bags are labeled “Alfalfa Sprouts” and “Garden Fresh Daily.” Both bags are also identified as packed by Sun-Sen Co.

 

Salmonella bovismorbificans is an organism rarely seen in the United States that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Most cases resolve without the need for medical attention. However, healthy persons infected with Salmonella may experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more serious illnesses. Consumers with the above symptoms should consult with their physician.

 

Distributors and restaurants that purchased these products should immediately return them to the point of purchase or call Edwin Wong, Sun-Sen, at (916) 922-9905.