California Warns Consumers About Sprouts

California Department of Health Services (DHS) officials are warning consumers not to eat three brands of alfalfa sprout products because the seeds used to manufacture these sprouts were linked to at least 21 cases of salmonellosis in Oregon and Washington. To date, no illnesses associated with the California brands of alfalfa sprouts have been reported.

The manufacturer, Caldwell and Sons of Los Angeles, voluntarily recalled these brands because they were grown from potentially contaminated alfalfa sprout seeds. The illnesses in Oregon and Washington were reported between December 1and early February. (Click here to view related article).

Alfalfa sprouts have repeatedly been linked to outbreaks of Salmonella and E. coli 0157:H7 infections. Alfalfa sprouts are of concern for several reasons:

• Alfalfa 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 alfalfa 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 alfalfa sprouts until methods are implemented to improve their safety.