Salmonella concerns prompt sprouts recall

WASHINGTON, July 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the recall of Kowalke Family Sprouts-brand alfalfa products because of possible contamination.

The FDA said Mike's Produce Inc. of Los Angeles initiated the voluntary recall because the product might be contaminated with salmonella bacteria, which can cause life-threatening illness.

The recall involves all Kowalke Family Sprouts-brand alfalfa products with sell-by dates of June 18-30. The problem was identified when a sample taken at a retail location with a June 21 sell-by date tested positive for salmonella.

Kowalke alfalfa products are sold in 4-ounce, 8-ounce, 1-pound and 5-pound clear plastic, clam shell packages. Two other Kowalke products also contain alfalfa sprouts -- dinner salad in a 6-ounce package and an onion/alfalfa mix in a 4-ounce package.

The products were sold to distributors in Los Angeles and to retail stores in Southern California, Nevada and Arizona, but the company said it's possible the sprouts might have been transported to other states.

Consumers who purchased the products should return them for a refund. Consumers with questions can contact the company at 310-636-1924.