12-22-2008
Sprouts Recalled After Tests Turn Up Contamination

Cell (608) 212-3094

MADISON--A Wisconsin-based sprout grower has notified their customers to remove their alfalfa sprouts and certain sprout mixes from store shelves after routine food safety tests by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection turned up positive for Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause food-borne illness.

Sunrise Farms, Inc., Neenah, is recalling their packaged Alfalfa Sprouts, Spicy Sprouts, Crunchy Sprouts and Onion Sprouts. These sprouts and sprout mixes are sold in 4-ounce packages at grocery stores and retailers throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. The other sprout mixes produced by Sunrise Farms are not part of the recall.

At this time, there have been no reports of illness.

Sunrise Farms routinely tests sprouts grown at their facility to ensure that the sprouts are free of Salmonella and E. coli, another food-borne pathogen, in addition to testing by the state agriculture department. The company is working closely and cooperatively with the department's Food Safety Division to determine how these sprouts became contaminated.

Consumers who have Sunrise Farms Alfalfa Sprouts, Spicy Sprouts, Crunchy Sprouts or Onion Sprouts should throw away the package. Credits will be given with a proof of purchase receipt.

Symptoms of salmonellosis, an infection caused by Salmonella include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps that occur 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness lasts four to seven days and most recover without additional treatment. However, in severe cases, medical intervention may be required. The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are most at risk. Contact your physician if you suspect that you may have symptoms.

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