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Salmonella Outbreak Tied To Sprouts From Dixon
San Francisco
Sabin Russell, Chronicle
Staff Writer
Saturday, June 19, 1999
A batch of salad sprouts contaminated by Salmonella bacteria has sickened at
least 18 Northern California residents and prompted a recall by the Yolo County
distributor of the garden fresh products.
The California Department of Health Services issued a warning yesterday
afternoon that packages of Salad Cosmo and Sprout Medley brand clover sprouts
made by Salad Cosmos of Dixon had been linked to a Bay Area outbreak.
A total of 13 cases of salmonellosis, a food-borne illness marked by fever and
diarrhea, have been traced to the sprouts in Santa Clara County. Three cases
have been identified in Santa Cruz, and one each in San Benito and San
Francisco. All of the reported case occurred between May 10 and May 30.
Although 18 cases of salmonellosis have been confirmed, sources said state
health experts are investigating at least eight other suspected cases, all
in Santa Clara County.
Three-quarters of the victims reported thus far have been women. Epidemiologists
have traced eight of 10 cases to a single delicatessen chain with multiple
outlets that had purchased Salad Cosmo sprouts.
On Thursday the state health department initiated the recall of all remaining
Salad Cosmo clover sprout products. ``We are still trying to determine how much
of the product was distributed. Most of it was sold to restaurants,'' said
California Department of Health Services spokesman Ken August.
A company representative said the sprouts are grown and packaged in Dixon and
that the recall has not halted the sale of newly packed produce.
He said the cause of the contamination remains under investigation.
All of the victims suffered from severe diarrhea. One Santa Cruz woman has been
hospitalized, but there have been no fatalities, according to August. State
health officials acknowledge that the number of people sickened by the bacteria
may be much higher -- the figures are based on cases reported by physicians.
Many more illnesses may have gone undiagnosed or unreported.
The suspect bacteria has been identified as the ``St. Paul`` strain of
Salmonella, a common foodborne pathogen. Both clover and alfalfa sprouts have
been linked to previous outbreaks of salmonella and the more dangerous E. coli
O157:H7, a potentially deadly microbe that was found in hamburger and
unpasteurized fruit juices.
Public health officials are concerned about the potential for food poisoning in
sprout products because they are eaten raw and are produced under conditions
that can encourage bacterial growth.
Salmonellosis is a potentially serious form of food poisoning that can lead to
hospitalization or even death. Ten months ago, the state health department
issued a warning that ``high risk'' individuals -- the very young, the elderly
and those with compromised immune systems
--avoid consumption of raw clover and alfalfa sprouts.
August said that clover and alfalfa sprouts should not be served in day care
centers, school lunch programs, nursing homes or hospitals.
©1999 San Francisco Chronicle Page A16
Salad
Cosmo Recalls Clover Sprouts - 18 Cases of Salmonellosis Linked to Contaminated
Product
Safety
Alerts
June 6, 1999
Dixon, CA - The California Department of Health Services
(DHS) has warned consumers not to eat Salad Cosmo brand clover sprouts because
the product may be contaminated with salmonella, a dangerous bacteria. The
clover sprouts have been linked to at least 18 cases of salmonellosis, a
food-borne illness, including 13 in Santa Clara, three in Santa Cruz, one in San
Benito and one in San Francisco counties. The clover sprouts are also contained
in a "Sprout Medley" produced by Salad Cosmo. The illnesses occurred
between May 10 and May 30. The manufacturer, Salad Cosmo of Dixon, California,
has voluntarily recalled the clover sprouts distributed to restaurants and
grocery stores in northern California.
Consumers who purchased the recalled sprout products should
discard or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Clover
and alfalfa sprouts have repeatedly been linked to outbreaks of Salmonella and
E. coli 0157 infections. Salmonellosis is an acute bacterial infection commonly
characterized by diarrhea and fever. Symptoms usually develop within one to four
days after eating contaminated food. Most cases resolve without the need for
medical attention.
People who have eaten sprouts and develop severe symptoms
should contact their doctor. Some individuals with salmonellosis develop serious
illness that can lead to hospitalization and even death.
Clover and alfalfa sprouts are of concern for several
reasons:
Sprouts
generally are eaten raw with no additional treatment, such as cooking, which
eliminates bacteria that can cause disease.
Conditions
required for sprout growing are ideal for rapid bacterial growth.
Consumers
may be unknowingly exposed to sprouts on sandwiches or salads purchased at
restaurants and delicatessens.
Today's warning follows an advisory issued by DHS in August
for "high-risk" individuals to avoid eating raw clover and alfalfa
sprouts until methods are implemented to improve their safety. High-risk
consumers include the very young, the elderly and individuals with compromised
immune systems. DHS officials today reiterated their warning that clover and
alfalfa sprouts should not be served in day care centers, school lunch programs,
nursing homes, and hospitals.
CONTACT: Carla B. Agar
http://www.dhs.ca.gov or Lea Brooks
(916) 657-3064
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