Jonathans Alfalfa Sprout Recall Expanded to Organic Sprouts

An alfalfa sprout recall initially issued last week for some Jonathan’s Sprouts products due to a risk of salmonella contamination is now being expanded to encompass additional lots and some of the company’s organically grown sprouts as well.  

The Jonathan’s Sprouts recall expansion was announced on April 22 by the FDA, adding all sell-by dates for the affected products as well as 4-oz packages of Jonathan’s Organic Sprouts and Jonathan’s Organic Sprout Salad. Originally, none of the products affected by the original recall were organic and the recall was restricted to products with sell-by dates of April 23.

The recall now affects 4oz packages of Jonathan’s Alfalfa Sprouts, Alfalfa with Radish Sprouts, Gourmet Sprouts, Alfalfa with Dill Sprouts, Organic Alfalfa Sprouts, and 8 oz packages of Alfalfa Sprouts. It also affects packages of Jonathan’s Organic Sprout Salad; all sell-by dates are affected.

Also included in the recall are Jonathan’s 5 lbs. Bulk Alfalfa in waxed 18” x 11” cardboard cartons – all codes; 5 lbs. Bulk Organic Alfalfa in waxed 18” x 11” cardboard cartons – all codes; and 4lb Bulk Alfalfa Sprouts in 2lb bags in a 13”x9”x6” cardboard carton – all codes.

The recalled sprouts were sold at A&P, Grand Union, Stop & Shop, Shaws, Hannaford, Donnelans, Foodmaster, Truccis, and Roche Brothers stores in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The salmonella contamination was discovered by the USDA Microbiological Data Program.

The FDA recently issued a warning letter to Jonathan’s Sprouts Inc. regarding claims it was making about the health benefits associated with its sprouts. According to the FDA, the Rochester, Massachusetts-based company promoted many of its products as cancer-fighting agents and as being capable of lowering cholesterol. Federal regulations limit the health benefit and nutrition claims that can be made about foods to those that have been authorized by regulation. To make such claims, the FDA told the company that its sprouts would have to qualify as a new drug and be treated accordingly.

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.

Any consumers who have purchased sprouts affected by the recall should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Any consumers with questions can contact the company at 508-763-2577.