Raw alfalfa sprouts linked to an outbreak of salmonella poisoning in 10 states that prompted a food recall, was traced to a Los Angeles-area company, but no cases have so far been reported in the county.
The sprouts were traced to Caldwell Fresh Foods of Maywood, which has issued a voluntary recall of all alfalfa sprouts manufactured under the Caldwell Fresh Foods, Nature’s Choice, and California Exotics brands, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
“Once we learned of this recall, Public Health immediately reached out to food markets throughout the county to make sure that the potentially tainted product has been removed from shelves and destroyed,” said Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, director of the health department.
“If you have purchased any of the recalled sprouts, discard them immediately. Caldwell products unaffected by the recall will have a bright green sticker affixed to their packaging to ensure that there is no confusion,” he said.
The recalled alfalfa sprouts are labeled and packaged as follows:
• Caldwell Fresh Foods, 4-ounce plastic cups and 1-pound plastic bags, and 2-pound and 5-pound plastic bags in cardboard boxes with sticker affixed with the printed words “Caldwell Fresh Foods”;
• Nature’s Choice, 4-ounce plastic cups;
• California Exotics brands, 5-ounce plastic clamshell containers.
The sprouts are sold at Trader Joe’s stores, among other outlets.
So far, at least 23 people in 10 states have been sickened, 11 of them in California, including three in San Diego.
No cases have been reported in Los Angeles County.
Though some of those sickened have been hospitalized, no one has died.
Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps between 12 and 72 hours after infection. The illness typically lasts four to seven days.
However, infants, elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe illness.
Alfalfa sprouts in general are a high-risk food for these groups.
Severe infections can be fatal if left untreated by antibiotics.