THREE LOCAL ILLNESSES MAY BE LINKED TO RECALLED ALFALFA SPROUTS
May 21, 2010 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health is investigating three illnesses that match a Salmonella outbreak linked to three brands of alfalfa sprouts. Consumers and local grocery stores are urged to check for the recalled products.
The products are connected to 23 illnesses in 10 states, including 11 people in California. The latest known illness was on May 2. Six cases nationwide have required hospitalization.
The following products have been recalled:
* Caldwell Fresh Foods – four ounce plastic cups and one pound plastic bags; two pound and five pound plastic bags in cardboard boxes with a Caldwell Fresh Foods stickers
* Nature’s Choice – four ounce plastic cups
* California Fresh Exotics Brand – five ounce plastic clamshell container
Photos of the recalled brands are available on the California Department of Public Health website.
Environmental Health officials say the only stores affected in San Diego County are Trader Joe’s locations. They believe the products have already been pulled from the shelves but are checking with the stores to be sure.
Anyone who has the products should immediately throw them away or return them to the store where they were purchased.
Salmonella is a bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting. It is especially dangerous to young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.
To report an illness linked to the recall, call (619) 515-6620.