Green Valley Recalls Sprouts For Possible Salmonella

Green Valley Food Corporation just issued two sprout recalls over concerns of potential Salmonella contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced.

A random sample, taken from a customer on the supply chain on December 12, 2011, tested positive for Salmonella. Customers were retail chains and food distribution centers and involved customers will be receiving a letter asking for the quantities shipped and their whereabouts. Green Valley asks for an immediate response.

To date, no reports of illness related to this recall have been received; however, customers with any recalled “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Alfalfa, Spicy, or Onion Sprouts are advised to dispose of the sprouts in a trash receptacle. Green Valley can be reached at 1.214.939.3900, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, or via email at info@greenvalleyfood.com.

Sprouts are a known source of food borne illness and, because sprouts are often eaten raw with no additional treatment, such as cooking, which eliminates bacteria, washing sprouts does not necessarily remove the bacteria that grows within the sprouts and cannot be washed away. Over the past 15 years, at least 30 outbreaks of food poisoning have been linked to eating raw or lightly cooked sprouts, said the FDA. Most outbreaks were caused by Salmonella and E. coli.

Contamination with the Salmonella pathogen can cause salmonellosis, which can lead to serious consequences, most especially in the elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems. In these patients, the infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites, and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that people suffering from salmonellosis usually experience symptoms beginning 12 to 72 hours after becoming contaminated. Symptoms may include fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea and usually last 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without antibiotic treatment; however, diarrhea can be very severe, and hospitalization may be required. Also, some strains have become drug resistant, which means that treatment options are minimized, treatment becomes significantly more difficult, and patients cannot always be brought back to their presickness state.

Alfalfa Sprouts: 650 Cases

This recall involves 650 cases of “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Alfalfa Sprouts packaged in 5-ounce plastic lidded containers that measure 4 inches by 4 inches. The UPC is 714722228818 and the label’s blue lettering states “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” The code date on the shipping box is an orange tag that bears the number ”3440210”; the package has a white tag on the upper right-hand side of the label with the date 1/1/2012.

Alfalfa, Spicy, and Onion Sprouts: 6,723 Cases

This recall involves 6,723 cases of various “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Alfalfa Sprouts packaged in 5-ounce  containers. The recall involves the following recalled items received or purchased December 7, 2011 – January 1, 2012 and with use by dates from December 22, 2011 through January 1, 2012:

• Alfalfa Sprouts: 5-ounce containers, 4 inches by 4 inches, UPC 714722228818. The label’s blue lettering states “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!”

• Spicy Sprouts: 5-ounce containers, 4 inches by 4 inches, UPC 71472222991. The label’s red lettering states “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!”

• Alfalfa Sprouts: 4-ounce clamshell, 4 inches by 5 inches, UPC 815098001088. The label’s green lettering states “100% Natural Alfalfa Sprouts.”

• 100% Natural Onion Sprouts: 4-ounce clamshell, 4 inches by 5 inches, UPC 815098002054. The label’s yellow lettering states “100% Natural Onion Sprouts.”