The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an update on the investigation into the nationwide Salmonella outbreak traced to alfalfa sprouts distributed by J.H. Caldwell and Sons, Inc. of Maywood, CA this week.  

According to the latest reports from state and local health officials and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), since May 1 public health officials in 11 states have identified 35 Salmonella cases associated with the consumption of various brands of alfalfa sprouts distributed by J.H. Caldwell and Sons.  Seven case-patients were hospitalized.

The first Salmonella case associated with the alfalfa sprouts was reported on March 1, with the most recent case being reported on May 17.  Any illnesses that began before May 31 may not have been reported to the CDC, so the number of ill individuals could increase.

On May 21, J. H. Caldwell and Sons recalled several brands of alfalfa sprouts implicated in the outbreak that had been distributed to wholesale distributors, restaurants, delicatessens and grocery stores, including Walmart and Trader Joe’s.  Products recalled include the following:  

• Caldwell Fresh Foods – 4-ounce plastic cups and one-pound plastic bags, and 2-pound and 5-pound plastic bags in cardboard boxes with sticker affixed with the printed words “Caldwell Fresh Foods”

• Nature’s Choice – 4-ounce plastic cups

• California Exotics brands – 5-ounce plastic clamshell containers

An investigation at the sprout processing facility is ongoing, as public health officials work to determine the source of Salmonella contamination within the facility.

More Salmonella Outbreaks

The Butte County Health Department in California is working to determine the source of a Salmonella outbreak that occurred among attendees of the Margarita Mix-Off in Chico last month, and the Illinois Department of Public Health is working to determine the source of a current Salmonella outbreak among customers of several Illinois Subway restaurants.