Salmonella Contamination Leads to Leasa Alfalfa Sprout Recall

Fears of salmonella food poisoning have led to a recall of 433 cases of LEASA Living Alfalfa Sprouts.

The alfalfa sprout recall was announced by the FDA on June 20, after routine customer sample testing found salmonella contamination. However, there have been no reports of food poisoning associated with the recalled alfalfa sprouts.

The recall affects 433 cases of LEASA Living Alfalfa Sprouts with a use by date of 7/2/12. The affected sprouts were sold in 6 oz. clear plastic containers with a UPC code of 75465-55912 and is located on the label on the side of the container.

This is the second LEASA alfalfa sprout recall this year due to salmonella contamination. The first was announced on January 19 by Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., which recalled a variety of sprouts in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. There were no reported illnesses associated with that recall either.

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.

LEASA Industries Co., Inc. is urging consumers who have the affected alfalfa sprouts to throw them away. They do not appear to be offering any kind of refund or replacement. They have also asked all retailers carrying the affected products to remove them from store shelves.

Consumers with questions can call LEASA Industries at (800) 362-7669.