Washington, DC – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) released the following statement today in response to the urgent recall of all alfalfa sprouts manufactured by J.H. Caldwell and Sons sold under three brand names: Caldwell Fresh Foods, Nature’s Choice, and California Exotics brand. Alfalfa sprouts from Caldwell have been linked to an outbreak of Salmonella Newport that has sickened 22 people across 10 states, six of which have been hospitalized.

"The American people continue to be at risk from dangerous outbreaks such as this while critical food safety reform legislation, which includes provisions that would be helpful in addressing a widespread outbreak through preventive controls and interventions, remains stalled in the Senate. As these alfalfa sprouts were sold in a number of retail outlets, it will be difficult for consumers to know if their purchases are safe. I urge the Senate to act quickly before more people become victims of contaminated food and our faulty food safety system– the longer the food safety bill is delayed, the more vulnerable our food safety system remains."