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Sungarden Sprout Company Voluntarily Recalls Alfalfa Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Bob Rust
          931-526-1106

For Immediate Release

Cookeville, TN - November 8, 2002 -- Sungarden Sprout Company of Cookeville, Tennessee is voluntarily recalling its 4 ounce packages of alfalfa sprouts, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled alfalfa sprouts were distributed to retail establishments and wholesale distributors in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

The retail product is packaged in 4 ounce clear plastic container with snap closure lids labeled as Sungarden Sprouts, alfalfa (alfalfa and clover), with lot code 11/12. Wholesale product is labeled as Sprouts, 931-526-1106, packaged in 5 pound waxed boxes, identified with lot code 11/11.

No illness have been reported to date.

This voluntary recall was the result of a routine sampling program which revealed that the finished product may contain the bacteria.

Consumers who have questions regarding this recall may contact Sungarden Sprout Company at 931-526-1106. Those who purchased the product are urged to dispose of it and contact Sungarden Sprout Company at 931-526-1106 for full refund.

FDA/Website Management Staff
Web page created by tg 2002-NOV-12.