Outbreak of Salmonella Newport in Caldwell Foods Alfalfa Sprouts, 10 states
Raw alfalfa sprouts have been linked to an outbreak of Salmonella Newport that has sickened 23 people in 10 states. As of May 24, the CDC reports illnesses in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and Wisconsin. The sprouts have been recalled nationwide by the producer, California-based Caldwell Fresh Foods. 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.
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 Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious and (and possibly even fatal) infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with compromised immune systems.