Caldwell Foods Salmonella Alfalfa Sprouts Outbreak
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A Salmonella outbreak associated with Caldwell Fresh Foods alfalfa sprouts has so far sickened 20 in 10 states and hospitalized four, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced.
Caldwell Fresh Foods has recalled the following products, which include two other brand names:
- Caldwell Fresh Foods - 4-ounce plastic cups and one 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
- SOLD AT: Various delis and retailers nationwide. In California, locations include: Kings Super Market, Numero Uno Stores, Cárdenas Markets, Trader Joe's Stores, Gonzalez Northgate Markets, Wal-Mart stores Jons Markets, and Canton Foods
Sprouts Contaminated with Salmonella
Sprouted seeds, typically from plants like alfalfa or mung beans, are grown in moist, warm environments where harmful pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli can thrive. In fact, Salmonella outbreaks in the past have been associated with sprouts.
The risk of contamination for sprouts can be so high, in fact, that according to the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
"The FDA currently advises all consumers to cook sprouts before eating them. And it recommends that the young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems should not eat sprouts."
The food safety lawyers at Pritzker Olsen law firm have represented victims of Salmonella food poisoning from many types of foods, including peanut butter and pepper. Anyone who suspects they may be sick with salmonella food poisoning should see a doctor immediately and be tested for the pathogen.
