Leasa Living Alfalfa Sprouts are being recalled over a potential Salmonella risk, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) just announced. Leasa Industries Co., Inc. of Miami, Florida is recalling 433 cases of its Leasa Living Alfalfa Sprouts, with a use by date of 7/2/12, over potential Salmonella contamination, which was discovered when routine customer […]
Leasa Living Alfalfa Sprouts are being recalled over a potential Salmonella risk, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) just announced.
Leasa Industries Co., Inc. of Miami, Florida is recalling 433 cases of its Leasa Living Alfalfa Sprouts, with a use by date of 7/2/12, over potential Salmonella contamination, which was discovered when routine customer sample testing revealed the presence of the dangerous Salmonella pathogen. The firm said it is collaborating with the FDA and the Florida Department of Agriculture on the matter.
The recalled sprouts are packaged in 6-ounce clear plastic containers with UPC 75465-55912 and an expiration date of 7/2/12. The UPC can be found on the side of the label on the side of the container. The expiration date of the package is located on the side of the container.
The firm advises consumers in possession of the recalled Leasa Living Alfalfa Sprouts to dispose of the product in the trash receptacle. Grocery stores, food services, and other retailers in possession of the recalled Leasa Living Alfalfa Sprouts are advised to remove these products from their shelves. Leasa Industries can be reached, toll-free, at 1.800.362.7669, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.p., Eastern Standard Time (EST).
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.
To date, no illnesses have been reported; however, it can take some time from ingestion of a tainted product for symptoms to manifest.
The most common symptoms of Salmonella poisoning—salmonellosis—are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, with symptoms manifesting, usually, within six to 72 hours. Additional symptoms include chills, headache, nausea, and vomiting that can last up to seven days. The illness usually lasts four to seven days; however, in some, the organism can invade the bloodstream, becoming so severe that hospitalization is required. Sometimes, infection with the Salmonella pathogen can result in, and produce more severe or chronic illnesses.
Salmonellosis can be dangerous, even deadly, leaving sufferers with serious life-long health issues. One of the most common bacterial food borne illnesses, salmonellosis can be especially life threatening to those with weakened immune systems, such as infants; the elderly; and persons with compromised immune systems, such as people with HIV infection or who are undergoing chemotherapy.
