SACRAMENTO, March 1 (UPI) -- Three brands of alfalfa sprouts packaged in California have been recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination, it was reported.
The California Department of Public Health warned consumers to avoid alfalfa sprouts distributed by Salad Cosmo, Always Fresh and Alfa One, The San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News reported.
Public health department officials reportedly stressed the importance of using caution when consuming raw alfalfa sprouts because of their susceptibility to Salmonella contamination.
The sprouts are a risky food because their growing conditions foster bacteria reproduction. Since the sprouts are usually eaten raw, the bacteria is not cooked out of them.
Salmonella consumption can lead to severe infections in people with low immunity, including the young and elderly. Symptoms may reportedly include diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting and stomach aches.
