Oregon Public Health officials warn consumers of health risk

Oregon Public Health Division officials today are warning consumers about a recall of clover sprouts produced by Sprouters Northwest, Inc. of Kent, Wash. These products have been sold in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, British Columbia and possibly other states. The sprouts have been identified as the source of a salmonellosis outbreak. All Sprouters Northwest-produced clover sprout products are covered in the recall.

To date, at least six people have been sickened: two in Oregon and four in Washington. Reported illnesses began between Dec. 4 and Dec. 17. No hospitalizations or deaths have been reported.

“Once again, sprouts have been identified as the cause of an outbreak of salmonellosis. Consumers who have sprouts at home should check to see if they have any of the recalled products and, if so, should discard them. Retailers should immediately check their stocks and pull any clover products from Sprouters Northwest,” said William E. Keene, a senior epidemiologist at Oregon Public Health Division.

The recalled sprouts were sold at retail stores in 4-ounce and 5-ounce plastic containers; larger 1-pound bags and 2-pound trays were sold to grocery stores and wholesale suppliers, which in turn supplied sprouts to restaurants and other outlets. The clover varieties include Clover, Clover & Onion, Spicy Sprouts and Deli Sprouts. All packages carry the Sprouters Northwest brand name.