Harmony Farms Recalls Alfalfa Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk in Oregon

Date of Recall

2003-11-26

Recall Details

Auburn, WA -- November 26, 2003 -- Harmony Farms, LLC of Auburn, Washington, is voluntarily recalling all of its 5 ounce "Fresh Alfalfa Sprouts", "Gourmet Salad Sprouts" and "Fresh Alfalfa & Oregon Onion Sprouts", which come in clear plastic clamshells, and all of its cases of 1 lb., 2 lb., 3 lb. and 5 lb. packages of Alfalfa Sprouts. The recall was initiated because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. Most cases resolve without the need for medical attention.

Harmony Farms' products are distributed to retail outlets, restaurants, institutions and schools in Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Idaho.

The company's routine product testing has not detected any contamination in the sprouts produced by Harmony Farms. To date six cases of Salmonella in Oregon have possibly been linked to the consumption of alfalfa sprouts by Oregon Department of Human Services.

It is Harmony Farms' policy to fully cooperate with regulatory agencies in these situations to protect the public health. Harmony Farms will continue to work closely with Oregon, Washington and federal officials to investigate the facts surrounding these recent illnesses and to take all necessary remedial actions.

Purchasers of Harmony Farms' products under recall are urged to return these products to the place of purchase. Persons with questions about this recall action may call Harmony Farms at (253) 833-8945.

No other Harmony Farms products are affected by this recall action. As we have long advised on our product labels, sprout users are encouraged to wash their hands and clean their prep areas before handling sprouts to prevent cross-contamination from uncooked meat and poultry products.

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