Green Valley Recalls Alfalfa Sprouts Potentially Contaminated With Salmonella
Green Valley Food Corp. of Dallas is recalling 650 cases of alfalfa sprouts after a sample tested positive for Salmonella during routine testing. No illnesses have been reported in association with this recall.
The recalled products are the “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” brand 5 oz. plastic containers that measures 4-inch by 4-inch with a lid and best if used by date 1/1/2012. The containers bear the UPC number is 714722228818 and product code “3440210”. The label has blue lettering that states “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Alfalfa Sprouts. The product was distributed in Texas via truck deliveries to retail chains and food distribution centers.
Salmonella, an organism that can cause salmonellosis, a serious and sometimes fatal infection for young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
FDA Evergreen Produce Alfalfa Sprouts Warning Due to Salmonella Risk
The FDA is warning consumers not to eat Evergreen Produce brand alfalfa sprouts or spicy sprouts because the sprouts may contain Salmonella Enteritidis.
Fast Facts
- The FDA is warning consumers not to eat alfalfa sprouts or spicy sprouts from plastic bags labeled “Evergreen Produce” or “Evergreen Produce Inc.”
- The sprouts are possibly linked to 20 reported cases, including one hospitalization, of Salmonella Enteritidis in Idaho, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota and Washington State.
- The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness from Salmonella infection.
- Consumers, retailers and others who have alfalfa sprouts or spicy sprouts in plastic bags labeled “Evergreen Produce” or “Evergreen Produce Inc.” should discard them in a sealed container so people and animals, including wild animals, cannot eat them.
Just as our attorneys settled a lawsuit involving alfalfa sprouts served at fast food restaurants in Illinois, another Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has sickened at least 20 people in Idaho, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota and Washington State. The current outbreak has been linked to Evergreen Produce brand alfalfa sprouts.
The possibly contaminated Evergreen Produce alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts are sold in plastic bags labeled “Evergreen Produce” or “Evergreen Produce Inc.” The alfalfa sprouts are packaged in 4-ounce and 16-ounce plastic bags with pre-printed labels. They are also packaged in 1-pound and 5-pound plastic bags with stick-on labels. The spicy sprouts are packaged in 4-ounce plastic bags with pre-printed labels and 1-pound plastic bags with stick-on labels. To date, the FDA is aware of distribution in Idaho, Montana and Washington State. However, consumers and retailers in neighboring states should check the product label to ensure they are not eating or selling Evergreen Produce brand alfalfa sprouts or spicy sprouts.
Salmonella causes severe diarrhea and extreme abdominal pain, and victims may have some symptoms for months. In addition, the Salmonella infection may be so severe that it causes intestinal hemorrhage and perforation. Salmonella can also cause secondary infections:
- Osteomyelitis (infection of the bones or bone marrow)
- Meningitis (infection of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord)
- Pyelonepritis (a urinary tract infection that infects the kidneys that may be referred to as urosepsis when severe and may be called pyelitis)
- Endocarditis (infection of the endocardium, the inner layer of the heart that may include infection of the heart valves)
- Myocarditis (infection of the heart muscle)
- Vascular infections (infection of the blood vessels)
- Pancreatitis (infection of the pancreas)
- Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
Salmonella Enteritidis can also cause a type of arthritis known as Reiter’s syndrome.
