Health Hazard Alert in 1997 From Canada Because of Salmonella Meleagridis in Alfalfa Sprouts

Health Hazard Alert – Alfalfa Sprouts and Sprout Mixes Containing Alfalfa Sprouts May Contain Salmonella Bacteria

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

OTTAWA, NOVEMBER 10, 1997 — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to consume alfalfa sprouts or any mix containing alfalfa sprouts produced by Living Foods, Sunsprout Natural Foods and Sprouts Alive, because the product may contain the Salmonella meleagridis bacteria.

Salmonella meleagridis bacteria is responsible for Salmonellosis, a serious illness in humans. Young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.

Living Foods, a division of Sinnamon Bros. of Camrose, Alta., Living Foods/L. Morrison and Son of Saskatoon, Sask. and Sunsprout Natural Foods and Sprouts Alive Ltd. of Oakville, Ont. are recalling all alfalfa sprouts and sprout mixes containing alfalfa sprouts. The products have been distributed across Canada.

A number of cases of salmonellosis have been reported.

Food contaminated with Salmonella meleagridis bacteria will not look or smell spoiled. Consumers should dispose of the product.

For more information on any of these products, consumers can contact Living Foods in Alberta by calling (403) 672-8337.

For more information, media please contact:

Norman Sinnamon
Living Foods, Sunsprout Natural Foods and Sprouts Alive Ltd.
Camrose, Alta.
Daytime phone: (403) 672-8337
After hours phone: (403) 672-5176

René Cardinal, Dairy, Fruit and Vegetable
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Ottawa, Ontario
Phone: (613) 225-2342 Ext. 4640
pager: (613) 364-5203

Paul Sockett, Laboratory Centre for Disease Control
Ottawa, Ontario
Phone: (613) 941-1288