Three alfalfa sprout products were recalled last week because the products may have been contaminated with Salmonella.  On June 24, 2009, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that three Kowalke Organic products may be contaminated after a sample, with a sell-by date of June 21, 2009, tested positive for Salmonella.  The recall items have sell-by dates of June 18 – June 30, 2009.

The following products were subject to the recall:

• Kowalke Organics Alfalfa Sprouts – 4 oz., 8 oz., 1 pound and 5 pound packages.
• Kowalke Organics Dinner Salad – 6 oz. package
• Kowalke Organics Onion Mix – 4 oz. package

The CDPH said that most of the items were shipped to Gelson’s and Whole Foods grocery stores in southern CA.

You can learn more about Salmonella and other foodborne pathogens by visiting our additional website dedicated to food litigation and food safety at www.foodpoisoning.com.

According to the California Department of Public Health website:

CDPH continues to advise consumers about the risk of consuming raw sprouts. Sprouts have been linked to previous foodborne outbreaks [see Salmonella Sprout Outbreak]. Conditions required for sprout growing are ideal for rapid bacterial growth. Additionally, green leaf sprouts, such as alfalfa sprouts, are usually eaten raw with no additional treatment, such as cooking to eliminate bacteria that can cause disease. Consumers who wish to reduce their risk of foodborne illness may want to consider avoiding sprouts.

This information is post as courtesy of The Law Office of Eric H. Weinberg.  To learn more about our law firm, please see Food Poisoning Lawyers.