Salmonella Fears Spark Sprout Recall

NEW YORK (MainStreet) —  LEASA Industries is recalling approximately 346 cases of alfalfa sprouts after discovering that the products may be contaminated with salmonella, the Food and Drug Administration said today.

The recall applies to LEASA Living Alfalfa Sprouts with a use-by date of 2/1/12 that were distributed to retail stores and food service in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi through January.

According to the FDA, the possible contamination was discovered during routine testing, though no illnesses have been reported in relation to the recall.

The affected product is in 6-oz. clear plastic containers with a UPC code of 75465-55912. Codes are located on the side of the label at the side of the container, and the expiration date is located on the side of the container.

The manufacturer is advising all consumers and retailers who have the product to throw it away. Those with questions can contact LEASA at 1-800-362-7669 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.

Grocery chain Winn-Dixie has initiated a voluntary recall of other LEASA-branded sprouts (including broccoli sprouts and onion sprouts) in a separate announcement, and the UPC codes for those sprouts can be found on the FDA website.

Winn-Dixie is also advising consumers to throw away these products. You can bring your receipt or the product packaging label as proof of purchase to a nearby location to receive a refund.

—Jeanine Skowronski is staff reporter for MainStreet. You can reach her by email at Skowronski.jeanine@thestreet.com, or follow her on Twitter at @JeanineSko.