After Leasa Industries of Miami, FL announced it was recalling 346 cases of its alfalfa sprouts because they might be contaminated with Salmonella, the Winn-Dixie Stores chain said it was removing all Leasa-branded sprouts from its shelves.

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No illnesses have been reported.

Routine sample testing on Jan. 9, 2012 revealed the presence of Salmonella in the alfalfa sprouts, Leasa Industries said in its recall notice. The company said it is  working with the Florida Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to investigate the problem. 

Meanwhile, Mary Kellmanson, Winn-Dixie’s group vice president of marketing, said in the grocery chain’s alert, “While the mandatory recall involves only the LEASA Living Alfalfa Sprouts, for the safety of our guests, Winn-Dixie is taking extra precaution to immediately pull all potentially exposed LEASA branded sprouts from our shelves.” 

Leasa’s  recall is of Leasa Living Alfalfa Sprouts in 6 oz. clear plastic containers with a UPC code of 75465-55912 and an expiration date of 2/1/12. 

Winn-Dixie is also recalling:

Product                          UPC Code Size

– LEASA Broccoli Sprouts 7546555636 4 oz.

– LEASA Gourmet Sprouts 7546555633 6 oz.

– LEASA Spicy Sprouts 7546555635 6 oz.

– LEASA Onion Sprouts 7546555634 6 oz.

The recalled sprouts were distributed in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi through retail stores and food service companies from Jan. 4 though Jan. 8, 2012. 

Consumers should discard the sprouts in a sealed garbage container.

Winn-Dixie says to receive a refund present proof of purchase through a receipt or the product packaging label.For more information, contact the Winn-Dixie Guest Service Center toll free at 1.866.WINN-DIXIE (866.946.6349).

Or contact Leasa Industries at 800-362-7669, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. 

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience 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.