Alfalfa Sprout Products Recalled

Sprouters Northwest, Inc. Recalls Alfalfa Sprout Products Because of Possible Health Concern

Contact:
Joe Campbell
253-872-0577

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 5, 2008 — Sprouters Northwest, Inc. of Kent, Washington is recalling its alfalfa sprout products (alfalfa sprouts, onion sprouts, and salad sprouts) because they may be linked to a recent outbreak of Salmonellosis in Oregon and Washington State. To date, 13 cases of Salmonella Typhimirium infection have been associated with the consumption of raw alfalfa sprouts.

Salmonella Typhimiriumis an organism 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 maybe 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 of the heart) and arthritis. Individuals who may have experienced any of the above symptoms after eating any of the recalled products should contact their health care provider.

The recalled sprouts were distributed in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alasks in retail stores and through wholesale produce suppliers.

The products are Sprouters Northwest brand and include all lot numbers with a best by date of 9/17/08 or earlier of:  5oz alfalfa sprout cups UPC - 033383701417, 4oz alfalfa clamshells UPC-815098001088, 1lb bags of alfalfa sprouts UPC - 079566123508, 2lb trays of alfalfa sprouts UPC – 079566123492, 5oz salad cups UPC - 033383702674, 4oz salad clamshells UPC - 815098002061, 5oz alfalfa onion sprout cups UPC - 033383701905, and 4oz onion sprout clamshells UPC – 815098002054.

Sprouters Northwest, Inc. is working closely with state officials and the Food and Drug Administration to determine the cause of this problem and what steps can be taken to combat it.

Consumers who have purchased any of these items are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Wholesalers / retailers should remove the product from sale, cease distribution, and arrange for product return. Questions can be directed to the company at 253-872-0577.

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