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Wo Chong Sprouts Recalled for Salmonella

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

Late last week, the California Department of Public Health warned consumers not to eat Wo Chong brand alfalfa or clover sprouts because of potential contamination with Salmonella.  

The sprouts were sold in 4-ounce plastic containers and 1-pound plastic bags.  They can be identified by a green or red two inch round sticker labeling them as "Alfalfa Sprouts" or "Clover Sprouts." "Wo Chong Co., Inc." and UPC codes are listed on the bottom of the stickers. The UPC code for alfalfa sprouts is 027862000108. The UPC code for clover spouts is 027862003017.

The one-pound plastic bags have 3-inch square labels with "Clover Sprouts" written in red letters and a circular blue Wo Chong symbol in the upper left corner on the front side of the bag.

Routine laboratory testing revealed that the sprouts were contaminated with Salmonella.  

Symptoms of Salmonella gastroenteritis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. In mild cases diarrhea may be non-bloody, occur several times per day, and not be very voluminous; in severe cases it may be frequent, bloody and/or mucoid, and of high volume.

Fever generally occurs in the 100 F to 102 F (38 C to 39 C) range. Vomiting is less common than diarrhea. Headaches, myalgias (muscle pain), and arthralgias (joint pain) are often reported as well. Whereas the diarrhea typically lasts 24 to 72 hours, patients often report fatigue and other nonspecific symptoms lasting 7 days or longer.

?No illnesses have been reported in connection with the consumption of Wo Chong alfalfa or clover sprouts.  

Consumers who purchased these products should immediately discard them or return them to the point of purchase for a refund. 

Full post as published by Food Safety News on April 20, 2010 (boomark / email).