Salmonella Bovismorbificans Outbreak in Alfalfa Sprouts 2004

SproutNet

International Specialty Supply

July 7, 2004

Sprout Recalls

The recall in the Western United States now includes growers in Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Montana.  Sprouters Northwest, has now had their second recall in June.  This time it included their Life Force Brand, a brand name used by some “Brassica” growers for some of their alfalfa products.  It does not appear that their BroccoSprout brand, or Life Force sprouts grown in other areas of the country, were recalled.

 

NW Company Announces Vegetable Recall

Sprouts Could Contain Salmonella

Posted: June 22, 2004

 

PORTLAND — Sprouts sold in Oregon and Washington could be contaminated with salmonella.

Sprouters Northwest is recalling 5-oz. alfalfa salad, alfalfa onion sprouts, 4-oz. Life Force 100 percent natural alfalfa sprouts and 16-oz. alfalfa bags. The lot numbers are 770564, 770611 and 770613.

 

Sprouters Northwest reportedly stopped using the potentially harmful seed on June 4.

 

Salmonella symptoms can include fever, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain and can be extremely serious in the very old, the very young and people with weakened immune systems.

 

 

Rainbow Garden Kauai recalls alfalfa sprouts sold before June 10, 2004 because of possible health risk
June 23, 2004
U.S. FDA Press Release

Kapaa, HI — — 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 Salmonella Bovismorbificans. 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