SunSprout Enterprises has expanded a recall of raw alfalfa sprouts because of potential contamination with Salmonella. This recall is a result of an investigation by Nebraska and the federal CDC of an outbreak of illness associated with the alfalfa sprouts.

Nebraska officials are urging the public to avoid eating alfalfa sprouts after at least a dozen people have been confirmed sick in an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium

The company directly distributed 1,406 pounds of product to five food service and grocery customers in Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa between November and December 2022. 

Recalled Products:

  • The raw alfalfa sprouts are packaged in 4-ounce clamshells and 2.5lb packages with best-sold buy dates between 12/10/2022 and 1/7/2023 and lot codes #4211, 5211, 3212, and 4212. 
  • The best-sold buy date can be found on the front of the package.

Customers with products from this lot number in their possession should stop using them and dispose of them immediately. Consumers are also encouraged to follow all safe handling instructions and wash their hands and all preparation surfaces and storage areas after handling any raw product.

About Salmonella infection

Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has eaten any alfalfa sprouts and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop severe illnesses and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

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