Sprouts Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

Certain types of sprouts could be linked to 20 cases of salmonella. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a rare warning, asking consumers to avoid Evergreen Produce brand alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts.

The Idaho-based company has not recalled the products yet (in other words -- they haven't pulled the product from store shelves), but the FDA has evidence to link the illnesses to their products.  Evergreen has, however, stopped producing the alfalfa and spicy sprouts, according to Nadine Scharft, co-owner of the company.  If necessary, the FDA has the power to force a recall if Evergreen opts not to because of a recently enacted law passed earlier this year.

The FDA's warning urges consumers not to eat alfalfa and spicy sprouts that are sold in plastic bags labeled, "Evergreen Produce" or "Evergreen Produce, Inc."  At least 30 outbreaks of salmonella have been linked to raw or lightly cooked sprouts in the United State over the last 15 years (Yahoo).