Alfalfa Sprouts Recalled Due to Listeria Contamination Risk

Several brands of alfalfa sprouts have been recalled due to concerns that they may be contaminated with bacteria which can cause severe, fatal infections in some people.

The sprouts were all produced by Amalgamated Produce, Inc. of Bridgeport, CT. Brands included in the recall include Specialty Farms, Vermont Sprout House, Nature’s Promise, and BroccoSprouts. The sprouts were sold in either four- or eight-ounce packages under various names throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, the Food and Drug Administration said.

They carry sell-by date codes of March 31 through April 27, 2009. A full list of the recalled sprout items can be found on the FDA website.

The sprouts are being recalled because they may be contaminated with Listeria bacteria, a cause of life-threatening food poisoning. Listeria contamination can result in fatal blood infections, particularly in the elderly, young children, people who are frail, and those who have weakened immune systems. Also, pregnant women who are exposed to the bacteria may suffer miscarriage or still birth. Most healthy people suffer milder, short-term symptoms including fever, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

A sample of sprouts from Amalgamated Produce tested by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets tested positive for the bacteria, officials said.

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