FDA warns of sprouts linked to minor salmonella outbreak in U.S.

[News_Editor]

FDA warns of sprouts linked to minor salmonella outbreak in U.S.

2011-06-28 05:56:00 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday warned consumers about alfalfa and spicy sprouts linked to 20 reported cases of Salmonella in the country.

The 20 reported cases, including one hospitalization, of Salmonella Enteritidis have occurred in Idaho, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota and Washington State, and according to the FDA, could be possibly linked to alfalfa sprouts or spicy sprouts from plastic bags labeled "Evergreen Produce" or "Evergreen Produce Inc."

The FDA advised consumers who have these products to discard them in a sealed container so people and animals, including wild animals, could not eat them, as a strain of Salmonella with this frequency is rarely seen. However, the FDA noted that the outbreak is different from the pathogen associated with the outbreak in Europe.

Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection, and the illness usually lasts four to seven days. Even though most people recover without treatment, some individuals may require hospitalization from severe diarrhea.

The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness from Salmonella infection, which may spread from the intestines to the blood stream and then to other body sites. It can also cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

Since 1996, there have been at least 30 reported outbreaks of foodborne illness associated with different types of raw and lightly cooked sprouts, as they are a known source of foodborne illness. Most of them have been outbreaks caused by Salmonella and E. coli.

The FDA said it was carrying out an ongoing investigation into the problem in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as public health agencies in those states where illnesses have occurred. The administration is also working with state authorities to take appropriate action to address any product that may be remaining on the market.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-06-28