EFN

Alfalfa sprouts are at the center of a huge food recall that involves 18 states thus far. Caldwell Fresh Foods in Maywood, California produced the tainted sprouts that have sickened 23 people. 4 people have been hospitalized due to the illness. The sprouts were sold by Wal-Mart, Kings Supermarkets and Trader Joe stores. A handful of other grocery stores also sold the sprouts. The sprouts may have been sold to delicatessens and restaurants as well.

The alfalfa sprouts were sold under the name brands Nature’s Choice, California Exotics Brand and Caldwell Fresh Foods. The last case of salmonella related to this particular brand of alfalfa sprouts was reported dates back to May 2nd. The tainted sprouts have been sold in the West, South and Midwest.

People in 10 states have contracted Salmonella poisoning as a direct result of the alfalfa sprouts. One infant in Oregon is among those that have been sickened with the deadly bacteria. 11 of the cases were found in California. Salmonella is often associated with chicken products and can cause diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Infants and those with weakened immune systems are at a greater risk of experiencing fatal side effects. Experts recommend those in high risk groups avoid eating raw sprouts.

Alfalfa sprouts are often connected to food borne illnesses due to their growing practices. This is the 12th case of alfalfa sprouts to be involved in an outbreak since 1995. Back in early 2009, alfalfa sprouts were blamed for hundreds of cases of salmonella.