Alfalfa sprouts, salmonella linked

By The Associated Press

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PORTLAND — Harmony Farms has recalled its brand of alfalfa sprouts from stores in Oregon, Washington and Alaska after it was linked to a salmonella outbreak, Oregon health officials said yesterday.

Dr. William Keene, epidemiologist with the state Department of Health Services, said the sprouts have sickened six Oregonians and possibly one Washington resident.

"Consumers who have them in their refrigerators should discard them immediately," he said.

The recalled sprouts were distributed through a number of wholesalers to grocery stores, restaurants and other retail outlets.

Retail sprouts were sold in 5-ounce plastic "clamshell" packages labeled as "Fresh Alfalfa Sprouts," "Gourmet Salad Sprouts" and "Fresh Alfalfa and Oregon Onion Sprouts," and in 1-pound, 2-pound and 3-pound commercial packs of alfalfa sprouts.

State and federal agencies are working with the Auburn, Wash.-based grower to remove potentially contaminated sprouts from distribution.

This is the second salmonella outbreak for Harmony Farms this year. In March, 13 people in Oregon and Southwest Washington were sickened after they ate the producer's sprouts.

Salmonella is an acute bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Symptoms usually develop within five days after eating contaminated food.

This is the sixth sprout-caused outbreak that has sickened Oregonians since 1996.

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