According to a series of news reports, a recent Salmonella outbreak that has impacted several states may be tied to alfalfa sprouts.
The official reports coming from news sources nationwide indicate that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last Tuesday that the multistate Salmonella outbreak has been tied to at least 13 illnesses.
States impacted include Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. While no deaths have been tied to the incidents, five of the consumers impacted who have fallen ill had to be hospitalized. Impacted consumers claim they first noticed the symptoms on December 1st.
State and health officials from impacted states have combined forces with Federal officials in order to investigate the occurrences. According to the CDC, the source of the outbreak is believed to be alfalfa sprouts produced by Kansas-based Sweetwater Farms.
Health officials claim that ill people have reported to consuming alfalfa sprouts at restaurants prior to falling ill. While at least one of the 12 people interviewed by officials said the sprouts were purchased at a grocery store. The company has supplied the sprouts to five restaurants near where consumers have fallen ill.
Consumers who are exposed to Salmonella usually experience the first symptoms between 12 and 72 hours after being exposed. Some of the symptoms include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. The symptoms usually last four to seven days.
Each year, Salmonella is responsible for 1 million cases of foodborne illnesses across the country. At least 19,000 people are hospitalized and 380 die as a result also yearly.
If you’re serious about your safety and the safety of your loved ones, do not wait until you fall ill whenever you hear about a food recall tied to Salmonella contamination.
While this alfalfa sprouts-related outbreak has impacted only a few states, consumers should stay on top of the news in order to identify any risks associated with potentially contaminated food items.
For more information on this outbreak and how the CDC is handling the issue, follow this link. For information on food recalls that may impact you, follow the Food and Drug Administration site feed or visit our blog regularly.
Never ignore a food recall tied to contamination risks. People with weak or compromised immune systems may suffer tremendously, and the risk of having the infection turning into a life-threatening illness may be greater. Children and the elderly are also extremely vulnerable.
