The FDA has issued an alert to sprout growers and retailers based on preliminary epidemiology regarding the potential source of Salmonella Saintpaul contaminated alfalfa sprout seeds. The Kentucky-based seed supplier has voluntarily recalled seeds linked to this discovery, as follows:
All seeds involved in this market withdrawal came from Italy. The seeds are in 50-pound white bags that are either paper or woven from a synthetic material, and the lot numbers in question begin with “032,” followed by a hyphen and three more digits. The bags carry a computer-generated white or yellow label, on which is printed “Distributed by Caudill Seed Company., 1402 W. Main St., Louisville KY 40203″ and the lot number.
The FDA continues to advise compliance with their guidance for following certain procedures to reduce the risk of sprouts contamination and the spread of foodborne illness.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
