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Consumer Alert - Fuji Natural Foods, Inc.



Contact:  Fuji Natural Foods
          909-947-1008

For Immediate Release

Ontario, CA - April 17, 2001 - Fuji Natural Foods, Inc. today issued an alert to consumers not to consume certain packaged alfalfa sprouts because a test of factory floor drains led to concerns that the product may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Salmonella is an organism which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms (such as diarrhea and cramps) and fever in healthy persons, though more serious infections and fatalities are possible in young children, frail or elderly persons or others with weakened immune systems. If you have any of these symptoms you should consult a physician.

While no illnesses have been reported in connection with the lot covered under this recall, a recent investigation of Salmonella illnesses revealed a possible association with Fuji Natural Foods alfalfa sprouts from another lot which is no longer in the marketplace. As a precautionary measure, Fuji Natural Foods has temporarily suspended production of alfalfa sprouts while it confirms the safety of its production process, and is voluntarily recalling the affected product in order to protect the public. The company is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the California Department of Health Services to address this issue.

The affected products were distributed to wholesalers, grocery stores, restaurants and delicatessens in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Nevada. They are labeled with a red Fuji Natural Foods logo and the name "Alfalfa Sprouts Always Fresh," "Spicy Sprouts Always Fresh," "Zesty Sprouts Always Fresh" or "Pure Water Grown Alfalfa Sprouts Always Fresh," or the words "The Sprout Factory" or "Young and Tender Living Alfalfa Sprouts" and the Fuji Natural Foods name; or the words "Alfalfa Sprouts" and the name "Calco Farms."

The products are packed in:

Plastic cups of 4 ounces and 6 ounces;
Plastic bags of 6 ounces, 1 pound, and 3 pounds; and
Trays of 2 pounds and 5 pounds.
Boxes of 4 pounds (two 2-pound trays) and 5 pounds.

Consumers who have purchased these alfalfa sprouts should not eat them and are urged to discard them or return them to the point of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions may call Fuji Natural Foods at 909-947-1008.

FDA/Website Management Staff
Web page created by tg 2001-APR-18.