Alfalfa sprout recall -- this was issued Saturday

For Immediate Release:
May 22, 2010

Salmonella Cases Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts
Distributed in California
So far 23 sickened in 10 states, but none in Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is
collaborating with state and federal agencies to investigate an outbreak
of Salmonella that has been linked to the consumption of raw alfalfa
sprouts. The sprouts were traced back to Caldwell Fresh Foods of
Maywood, CA, which yesterday issued a voluntary recall of all alfalfa
sprouts manufactured under the Caldwell Fresh Foods, Nature's Choice,
and California Exotics brands.

"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
Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health
Officer. "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."

The recalled alfalfa sprouts are labeled and packaged as follows:
* 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

So far, at least 23 people in 10 states have been sickened, 11 of them
in California. No cases have been reported in Los Angeles County. Though
some of those sickened have been hospitalized, no fatalities are
connected with this outbreak.
Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and
abdominal cramps between 12 and 72 hours after infection. The illness
typically lasts between four and 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.
More information about the Salmonella outbreak can be found on the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/newport/index.html. Further details about
the alfalfa sprout recall are available on the Food and Drug
Administration's website at
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm213119.htm.