Caldwell Foods Alfalfa Sprouts Salmonella Outbreak - Nationwide
An outbreak of Salmonella Newport that sickened 23 people in 10 states was linked to raw alfalfa sprouts. The CDC reported illnesses in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and Wisconsin. The producer, California-based Caldwell Fresh Foods, issued a nationwide recall. The sprouts were distributed for sale at a number of grocery stores and delicatessens, including Wal-Mart, Trader Joe’s. The sprouts were sold under the brands Caldwell Fresh Foods, Nature’s Choice, and California Exotics.
Marler Clark represents a client from California in a claim against Caldwell Fresh Foods.
Sprouts have a long history of foodborne illness outbreaks. According to Marler Clark food safety expert Drew Falkenstein, raw sprouts have been linked to at least 37 outbreaks of Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria monocytogenes since 1990. These 37 outbreaks have caused approximately 2,273 confirmed illnesses.
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious (and sometimes fatal) infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with compromised immune systems.