ANOTHER CASE OF CONTAMINATED ALFALFA

Of all the foods you should maybe give up, surely alfalfa sprouts (or other sprouted seeds) are one of the easiest. (I would have a much harder time giving up chocolate, for instance). Yes, when they are not contaminated with disease-causing bacteria, they may be nutritionally beneficial. But the trouble is, that the downside may well outweigh such benefits.

Here's yet another recall of alfalfa sprouts. Leasa Industries Co., Inc. of Miami, Florida, is recalling 433 cases of LEASA Living Alfalfa Sprouts with use by date 7/2/12, because Salmonella bacteria have been found. The affected product is in 6 oz. clear plastic containers. Winn Dixie is among the stores that sells them.

And in case you think Salmonella just means a few miserable days of diarrhea and vomiting, stomach cramps and such, let me quote from the recall notice (more details on this in The Safe Food Handbook):

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.... 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.


To your good health,
TSF