FDA Inspects Sprout Grower in Illinois
Sprout growner Tiny Greens of Urbana, Illinois, was inspected by the FDA after alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts sold to Jimmy John's and elsewhere were implicated in a multi-state Salmonella outbreak that started late last year. The sprouts Salmonella outbreak has sickened more than 125 people in 22 states and Washington, D.C.
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FDA investigators observed unsafe plant conditions, including many employee movements that could potentially cross-contaminated the plant with harmful bacteria. In addition, testing found the outbreak strain of Salmonella in pooled run-off water draining from an outdoor compost pile. The FDA report said an employee wearing a red hooded sweatshirt was seen dumping production waste into the compost pile before returning to the production area wearing the same clothing. The report said the company grew sprouts in "soil from the organic material decomposed outside" without using any monitored "kill step" to neutralize bacteria.
Here's a quick summary of some of the other observations at the Tiny Greens plant:
- There was a pet "amphibian/reptile'' in the reception area of the firm.
- "Biofilm-like material'' was built up around a plastic brace on a sprouting tray.
- There were rough welds, organic matter buildup and perforations on the food contact surface of a stainless steel table used to package alfalfa sprouts. Sprouts are dumped directly onto the table to be placed in packaging.
- Mold-like formations were seen on the walls and up in the ceiling above the mung bean sprouting room.
- The firm's microbiological testing was observed as "not adequate to monitor pathogen contamination.''
Salmonella lawyer Fred Pritzker is representing victims of the sprouts Salmonella outbreak, including a woman from Illinois who was hospitalized for several days with a Salmonella infection contracted after eating alfalfa sprouts on a Jimmy John's sandwich. Mr. Pritzker, who is a leading national foodborne illness attorney, is continuing to accept new cases from this outbreak and can be at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). If you prefer to contact Mr. Pritzker electronically, please complete our online contact form .
