River Valley Sprouts is voluntarily recalling its 5 ounce Alfalfa Sprouts, 4 ounce Alfalfa Sprouts, 5 ounce Garlic/Alfalfa and 5 ounce Variety sprouts because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illness such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.
The recalled sprouts were packed and shipped from March 6-March 15. The sprouts were distributed in Minnesota and Wisconsin and were sold through various grocery stores. Some packages have sell by dates on the label. March 15-March 25.
The product is packaged in a plastic cup or clam container.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the FDA revealed the presence of Salmonella in some 5 ounce packages of Alfalfa Sprouts. At River Valley Sprouts every batch of seed is sanitized at 20,000 PPM of calcium hypochlorite and irrigation water is tested for salmonella and E. coli.
Production of these products has been suspended while River Valley Sprouts and the FDA continue their investigation.
Consumers who still have this product are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund or destroy.
Source: FDA
