Bacteria fear forces recall of alfalfa sprouts

COOKEVILLE, TENNESSEE - Four-ounce packages of alfalfa sprouts are being recalled by Sungarden Sprout Company because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause fatal infections. <br> <br> The company said Friday the recalled alfalfa sprouts were distributed to retail stores and wholesale distributors in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Kentucky. <br> <br> Company officials said no illnesses have been reported. <br> <br> The voluntary recall resulted from a routine sampling program that revealed the finished product could contain the bacteria. <br> <br> Listeria normally affects young children, seniors and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals could suffer short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The organism also can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. <br> <br> The retail product is packaged in four-ounce clear plastic containers with snap closure lids labeled as Sungarden Sprouts, alfalfa. The wholesale product is labeled as Sprouts and packaged in five-pound waxed boxes. <br> <br> Consumers who have questions about the recall can contact Sungarden Sprout Company at (931) 526-1106.

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