Louie Foods International Voluntarily Recalls Certain Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk

Louie Foods International Voluntarily Recalls Certain Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk



Contact:
Jay Louie
559-264-2745



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 30, 2011 - Louie Foods International of Fresno, California, is voluntarily recalling all Louie’s brand sprouts with a “Use By” date on or before 4/14/11, because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. To-date, no illnesses have been reported.

Products affected by the recall include:

* Alfalfa Sprout Mix, 4 oz. cups (UPC 11324 04401)
* Alfalfa Sprout Mix, 16 oz. bags (UPC 11324 16401)
* Clover Sprouts, 4 oz. cups (UPC 11324 04406)
* Clover Sprouts, 16 oz. bags (UPC 11324 04406)
* Spicy Sprouts, 4 oz. cups (UPC 11325 04402)
* Broccoli Sprouts, 4 oz. cups (UPC 11324 04407)

Salmonella is 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. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Products were sold to distributors located in the Central Valley and along the Coast of California. Within hours of being notified, Louie Foods International contacted all of its customers and advised them to destroy the affected products.

The contamination was detected during a random test conducted by the USDA, in a package of the alfalfa-clover sprouts. However, as a precautionary measure, Louie Foods International is recalling all sprout products produced during the same time period. Louie Foods International has temporarily ceased the production and distribution of the sprout products subject to this recall. The California Department of Public Health, FDA and Louie Foods International continue their investigation into the source of the problem.

Consumers are urged to destroy the above listed products or to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers may contact Jay Louie at Louie Foods International, 1-559-264-2745 for additional information.