LEASA Alfalfa Sprout Recall: Salmonella Food Poisoning Risk

Salmonella contamination has been detected in some packages of LEASA alfalfa sprouts, resulting in a recall of the products in five states. 

The FDA announced a LEASA sprouts recall on January 19, after inspectors detected salmonella in the Winn-Dixie label’s alfalfa sprouts. The company is recalling all of its LEASA sprout products, although there have been no reports of salmonella food poisoning in connection with the recalled sprouts.

Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. said it decided to pull all types of LEASA sprouts from all of its grocery stores out of an abundance of caution, but noted that recalling the alfalfa sprouts was made mandatory by the FDA. Winn-Dixie has grocery stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.

The recall affects LEASA Alfalfa Sprouts, sold in a 6 oz. package with a UPC Code of 7546555912; LEASA Broccoli Sprouts, sold in a 4 oz. package with a UPC Code of 7546555636; LEASA Gourmet Sprouts, sold in a 6 oz. package with a UPC Code of 7546555633; LEASA Spicy Sprouts, sold in a 6 oz. package with a UPC Code of 7546555635; and LEASA Onion Sprouts, sold in a 6 oz. package with a UPC Code of 7546555634. All of the affected sprouts were sold between January 7 and January 18 of this month and have expiration dates between Feb. 1, 2012, and March 15, 2012.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing mild to severe food poisoning. For most healthy adults, symptoms of food poisoning from salmonella typically resolve after a few days or weeks. However, young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems have an increased risk of suffering severe food poisoning after ingesting the bacteria. If not properly treated, some cases of salmonella food poisoning can lead to hospitalization, dehydration or death.

Winn-Dixie recommends consumers discard affected sprouts in a sealed garbage container and take either the packaging label or receipt to a Winn-Dixie grocery store for a full refund. Consumers with questions can call the Winn-Dixie Guest Service Center at (866) 946-6349.