The FDA announced today that Sprouters Northwest, Inc. of Kent, WA, is recalling all of its clover and clover mix products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which 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.
The recall was initiated January 1st by Sprouters Northwest after learning that a few cases of Salmonella might be linked to sprouts. Sprouters Northwest, Inc. concluded that this type of cautionary, voluntary action was the appropriate and responsible reaction regardless of the limited information available.
The recalled clover products were distributed in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska in retail chains and through wholesale distribution.
The withdrawal includes 4oz. (UPC 8 15098 00201 6) and 5oz. (UPC 0 33383 70235 3) containers of Clover sprouts, 1lb. bags of Clover (UPC 0 79566 12351 5), and 2 lb trays of Clover (UPC 0 79566 12362 1). Also included are Clover Onion sprouts in 4oz. (UPC 0 79566 12361 4) and 5oz. (UPC 0 79566 12361 4) containers, Deli sprouts in 4oz. (UPC 8 79566 12305 4) and 5oz. (UPC 0 33383 70267 4) containers, Spicy sprouts in 4oz. (UPC 8 15098 00202 3) containers, and Brocco sandwich sprouts in 4oz. (UPC 8 15098 00028 9) containers. This affects all of the above products with a best by date of 1/16/11 and earlier.
Sprouters Northwest is cooperating fully with state and federal scientists in a comprehensive effort to help compile more information in an effort to better understand the possible source of the contamination.
Production of these products has been suspended while FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.
Consumers who have purchased these clover based products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 253-872-0577 Mon-Fri 7AM -11AM.
