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CDC: Listeria Outbreak Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts

By PritzkerLaw

At the same time federal health officials investigate a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul caused by alfalfa sprouts, they also are probing a sprouts-related outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes .

The Salmonella outbreak, with 31 confirmed illnesses in 6 states, has garned most of the publicity. In fact, all that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said about the Listeria outbreak is contained in a press release about the sprouts-related Salmonella outbreak.

 "CDC is also currently working with public health officials in several states and FDA to investigate an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked with eating alfalfa sprouts,'' the press release said.

The CDC did not say if the Listeria outbreak is associated with any specific product recalls, but a Connecticut company -- Amalgamated Produce Inc. of Bridgeport -- announced a recall on April 9. The recall was spurred by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets' finding of Listeria contamination in sprouts from a random sample.

Amalgamated sells sprouts under label names including Specialty Farms, Vermont Sprout House, Nature's Promise and Brocco Sprouts in 11 northeastern states. Last week, the company expanded its sprouts recall to include four-ounce containers of Specialty Farms Organic Crunchy Sprouts or Organic Crunchy Pea Mix, also over Listeria concerns.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen currently is representing individuals sickened by sprouts contaminated with Salmonella. The firm, which is involved in practically all major outbreaks of foodborne illness, also is experienced in Listeria cases. The bacteria is potentially deadly for young children, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems. Listeria also is a threat to pregnant women, sometimes causing miscarriage and still birth.

If you or someone you know wants to consult with an attorney about a possible claim, contact a Listeria lawyer at PritzkerOlsen by calling 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or completing a free online case consultation.

Over the years, Pritzker Olsen has collected large sums on behalf of people injured or killed by adulterated food. Founder and president Fred Pritzker, along with the firm's other lawyers, are frequent guests and commentators about food safety issues and have been interviewed by and profiled in a number of media sources including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press and CNN.

Full post as published by Food Poisoning Law Blog on April 29, 2009 (boomark / email).