Los Angeles Calco alfalfa sprouts: Salmonella

[notyard]

FDA recall press release:

Recall -- Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.


LOS ANGELES CALCO, INC. RECALLS ALFALFA SPROUTS BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE SALMONELLA CONTAMINATION
Contact:
Yue-Shen Hsiao
Tel: 626-930-1988

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Los Angeles Calco of Arcadia, CA is recalling their Los Angeles Calco brand of Alfalfa sprouts because they may be contaminated with salmonella.

Product was distributed to three cash and carry wholesalers in California:

Brostoff Celle. 1601 E Olympic Blvd # 505, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Tel: 213-623-5263
Banana Company : 1601 E Olympic Blvd. # 325, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Tel: 213-327-2188
Ingardia : 2120 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 90021
Tel: 949-645-1365

Products are packaged in 4 ounce, clear flexible clam-shell plastic containers. Containers are 4 x 4 x 4 inches cubic plastic boxes and have perforated bottom (9 holes, about 1/4 inch in diameter each).

Products have the label on top with characters in green, identifying the product by the name: Alfalfa Sprouts, and name and address of Distributor (Los Angeles Calco, Inc.), and Sell By Dates: April 23, 2009 and May 2, 2009..

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Los Angeles Calco is recalling because routine testing detected Samonella in alfalfa sprouts.Salmonella, 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. Consumers with the above symptoms should consult their physician.

Consumers who have purchased Los Angeles Calco Alfalfa Sprouts are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (626) 930-1988.

[notyard]

California Department of Public Health press release:

CONSUMERS WARNED NOT TO EAT LOS ANGELES CALCO, INC. BRAND ALFALFA SPROUT PRODUCTS

DATE: April 23, 2009

NUMBER: 09-34

CONTACT: Al Lundeen - (916) 440-7259
SACRAMENTO – Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to eat brand alfalfa sprouts (http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/news/Documents/Alfalfa%20Sprouts.doc)distributed by Los Angeles Calco, Inc. because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella, which can cause serious illness.

Los Angeles Calco, Inc., which is headquartered in Arcadia, is voluntarily recalling these products after routine testing detected Salmonella in its Calco brand alfalfa sprouts. No illnesses associated with the Southern California firm’s alfalfa sprouts have been reported at this time.

"Consumers, especially young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, are susceptible to serious infection when exposed to Salmonella," Horton said. "Today’s warning is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of foods sold in California."

Los Angeles Calco, Inc. recalled alfalfa sprouts manufactured by Arizona Hydroponics in Eloy, Arizona for Los Angeles Calco, Inc. and were distributed to two produce firms in California. The firms are located in Los Angeles:

Brostoff Celle, 1601 E. Olympic Blvd. # 505, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Banana Company, 1601 E. Olympic Blvd. # 325, Los Angeles, CA 90021

CDPH is working with Los Angeles Calco, Inc. to determine whether there was additional distribution of the recalled products. Recalled alfalfa sprouts are packaged in 4 ounce, clear flexible clam-shell plastic containers and bear the sell by dates April 23, 2009 or May 2, 2009.

CDPH continues to advise consumers about the risk of consuming raw sprouts. Conditions required for sprout growing are ideal for rapid bacterial growth. Sprouts usually are eaten raw with no additional treatment such as cooking which eliminates bacteria that can cause disease. Consumers who wish to decrease their risk of food borne illness may wish to avoid consuming sprouts.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in infants, 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. Consumers who have eaten this product and are experiencing the above symptoms should consult their health care provider.

Consumers who purchased these products should immediately discard them. Consumers with questions may contact Los Angeles Calco, Inc. at (626) 930-1988.