SproutNet

International Specialty Supply

May 17, 2006

Diseases Sprout in Alfalfa Products
Herald Sun
May 12, 2006

SALMONELLA and listeria have been found in some alfalfa products, sparking a statewide recall in dozens of supermarkets. Eight varieties of Parilla and Woolworths brand alfalfa, with due dates up to and including May 23, will be removed from shelves.

But David Muir, spokesman for manufacturer Parilla Fresh, said the products had been in supermarkets for more than two days before the recall was announced. Mr Muir said the delay was caused by a six-day wait for the results of routine health and safety checks.

"We have now heightened our vigilance in that area," he said.

"Parilla is working with Food Safety Victoria. An immediate voluntary recall was actioned and we are working closely with authorities to investigate more fully the cause of the problem."~ Kate Jones

Parilla Fresh and Woolworths Brand Sprouts have been recalled in Australia and New Zealand, due to possible contamination with Salmonella and Listeria.

FoodIssues.org

Food Recalls

May 09, 2006

Parilla Fresh and Woolworths Brand Alfalfa, Alfalfa & Broccoli, Alfalfa & Mustard, Alfalfa & Onion, Alfalfa & Radish, Alfalfa Onion & Garlic Chives, Salad Sprouts (Alfalfa, Radish & Mung), and Trio Sprouts (Crunchy Combo, Snow Peas & Alfalfa) have been recalled in Australia and New Zealand, due to possible contamination with Salmonella and Listeria. The products affected include all use by dates up to and including 23 May 06 PS of the Woolworth's brand, and a Use by date of 17 May 06 PS for the Parilla Fresh Brand products.

Listeria infection can lead to symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Salmonella infection may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Both types of infections can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

South Australia Recall Follows Recent Outbreak in Western Australia

Although these sprouts were produced by the Parilla facility in Exford, there was an outbreak of salmonella oranienburg in Western Australia in February that was reportedly attributed to alfalfa sprouts produced by Parilla in Hamilton Hill, Australia.

A Health Department investigation led to the sprout products being pulled from supermarket shelves. The department believes animal waste was a likely reason for salmonella in the sprouts, resulting in 110 reported cases of food poisoning.

Parilla Fresh of Hamilton Hill, recalled its products after samples tested positive to salmonella, and all production ceased until an investigation was complete. The produced recalled included alfalfa, alfalfa and onion, alfalfa and mustard, alfalfa and broccoli."  Market coverage was Western Australia.