Alfalfa sprouts contaminated with salmonella recalled in 19 states

More than 23 people fell ill after consuming alfalfa sprouts possibly contaminated with salmonella, witch triggered a nationwide recall of the alfalfa sprouts. According to the Department of Human Services in Oregon, a child is very sick in Oregon.

The outbreak included the states of Oregon, Idaho, California, Nevada, Arizona Colorado, New Mexico, Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin. The outbreak, began in March and finally was traced to the alfalfa sprouts sold under different brands produced by Caldwell Fresh Foods of Maywood, California.

The vegetable was sold in different stores like Trader Joe’s and WalMart, among with other stores in 19 states. All the alfalfa sprouts produced by Caldwell Fresh Foods are now being recalled. The product was sold under the brands: Caldwell Fresh Foods, Nature’s Fresh Choice and California Exotics.

William E. Keene, head epidemiologist in the Division of Public Health in Oregon, said Caldwell Fresh Foods is cooperating with the ongoing research. This is the 32nd time since 1995 that the alfalfa sprouts has caused an outbreak of food poisoning causing health officials to issue warnings.

“We want people to understand that food is a relatively high risk,” said Keene. “They need to consider if they eat it.” Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious infections and occasionally fatal in young children and other people with depressed immune systems.