For Immediate Release: June 27, 2011 Media Inquiries: Stephanie Yao, 301-796-0394, stephanie.yao@fda.hhs.gov Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA


Sprouts may contain Salmonella Enteritidis; pathogen different from the one in European outbreak

Fast Facts

• The FDA is warning consumers not to eat alfalfa sprouts or spicy sprouts from plastic bags labeled “Evergreen Produce” or “Evergreen Produce Inc.” The sprouts are possibly linked to 20 reported cases, including one hospitalization, of Salmonella Enteritidis in Idaho, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota and Washington State. The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness from Salmonella infection. Consumers, retailers and others who have alfalfa sprouts or spicy sprouts in plastic bags labeled “Evergreen Produce” or “Evergreen Produce Inc.” should discard them in a sealed container so people and animals, including wild animals, cannot eat them.

What is the Problem?

The FDA is advising consumers not to eat Evergreen Produce brand alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts. The sprouts are possibly linked to 20 reported cases, including one hospitalization, of Salmonella Enteritidis in Idaho, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota and Washington State. The strain of S. Enteritidis is rarely seen at this frequency.

The pathogen associated with this outbreak is different from the pathogen associated with the outbreak in Europe.

What are the Symptoms of Illness/Injury?

Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, some individuals may require hospitalization from severe diarrhea. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream and then to other body sites. It can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to become severely ill from Salmonella infection.

Who is at Risk?

The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to become severely ill from Salmonella infection. The bacterium can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in these vulnerable populations. Most healthy individuals recover from Salmonella infections within four to seven days without treatment.

What Do Consumers Need To Do?

Consumers should not eat alfalfa sprouts or spicy sprouts from plastic bags labeled “Evergreen Produce” or “Evergreen Produce Inc.” Consumers, retailers and others who have sprouts in plastic bags labeled “Evergreen Produce” or “Evergreen Produce Inc.” should throw them away in a sealed container so people and animals, including wild animals, cannot eat them.

Consumers who think they may have become ill from eating possibly contaminated sprouts should consult their health care providers.

Sprouts are a known source of foodborne illness. Since 1996, there have been at least 30 reported outbreaks of foodborne illness associated with different types of raw and lightly cooked sprouts. Most of these outbreaks were caused by Salmonella and E. coli. The FDA advises that children, the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with weakened immune systems should avoid eating raw sprouts of any kind (including alfalfa, clover, radish and mung bean sprouts). To reduce the chance of foodborne illness, FDA advises consumers to cook sprouts thoroughly and to request raw sprouts not be added to your food.

What Does the Product Look Like?

The possibly contaminated alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts are sold in plastic bags labeled “Evergreen Produce” or “Evergreen Produce Inc.”

The alfalfa sprouts are packaged in 4-ounce and 16-ounce plastic bags with pre-printed labels. They are also packaged in 1-pound and 5-pound plastic bags with stick-on labels.

The spicy sprouts are packaged in 4-ounce plastic bags with pre-printed labels and 1-pound plastic bags with stick-on labels.

Where is it Distributed?

To date, the FDA is aware of distribution in Idaho, Montana and Washington State. However, consumers and retailers in neighboring states should check the product label to ensure they are not eating or selling Evergreen Produce brand alfalfa sprouts or spicy sprouts.

What is Being Done about the Problem?

FDA is investigating the problem in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health agencies in those states where illnesses have occurred. The investigation is ongoing. The FDA is also working with state authorities to take appropriate action to address any product that may be remaining on the market.

Who Should be Contacted?
Consumers with questions about sprout safety should contact 1-800-SAFEFOOD.

Eight Manufacturers Voluntarily Recall Pool and In-ground Spa Drain Covers Due to Incorrect Ratings

Pool owners and operators who have one of the recalled drain covers should contact the manufacturer to receive a replacement or retrofit.

CPSC recommends closing the pool until the drain cover is replaced. Dual main drain and gravity drainage systems, unless they are wading pools or in-ground spas, do not need to be immediately closed.

For more information, contact the Drain Cover Recall Hotline at 866-478-3521
or visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11230.html

ServSafe Manger's Class will be offered on July 7th, 2011.  Please visit www.plattecountyhealthdept.com for details and registration.

Doctor's CarbRite Diet Issues Allergy Alert on Certain Chocolate Brownie Flavored Bars


Contact: (732) 545-3130

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 21, 2011 - Doctor’s CarbRite Diet of New Brunswick, NJ is voluntarily recalling all lots of the 2 oz. Chocolate Brownie Doctor’s CarbRite Diet Bar that are missing the allergen statement, “Allergy Alert: Made on equipment that also processes soy, milk, egg, peanuts and tree nuts”, due to possible peanut allergen cross-contamination. This allergy statement would be found at the end of the Ingredients list. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to a specific type of allergen (e.g., peanuts, tree nuts {chestnuts, brazil nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pine nuts, cashews}, eggs, and sulfites) run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled lots of the Chocolate Brownie Doctor’s CarbRite Diet Bar extend to all fifty states and the bar was offered through a variety of distribution channels including health food stores, gyms, and internet-based e-commerce sites.

This recall affects only the Chocolate Brownie flavor for Doctor’s CarbRite Diet Bars, those marked with the UPC # 0 39442 08112 4.

Chocolate Brownie Doctor’s CarbRite Diet Bars have been produced for over 10 years for sale without any serious adverse events or allergic reactions reported in the United States.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the certain Chocolate Brownie flavored bars were distributed in packaging that omitted the appropriate allergen warnings: “Allergy Alert: Made on equipment that also processes soy, milk, egg, peanuts and tree nuts.” Examination of current lots of Chocolate Brownie revealed that the correct allergen warnings do appear.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.

Consumers who purchased any one of the affected lot numbers in question are asked to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund or credit. Consumers with questions may contact Doctor’s CarbRite Diet directly at (732) 545-3130, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time.

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts Unilever Announces Recall of Skippy® Reduced Fat Peanut Butter Spread Due to Possible Health Risk Limited Recall of 6 Best-If-Used-By Dates

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts Unilever Announces Recall of Skippy® Reduced Fat Peanut Butter Spread Due to Possible Health Risk Limited Recall of 6 Best-If-Used-By Dates

May be contaminated with Salmonella.

The Platte County Health Department can provide education and resources, free to Platte County Child Care Centers/In Home Providers/Caregivers/Parents of children up to the age of 5. Participants will receive informational packets, an in-home or child care facility assessment along with home/center environmental action plans and asthma materials (AeroChambers, Nebulizer Tubing/Masks).

Participants will learn more about:

Signs and symptoms of asthma

What makes asthma worse

Reducing indoor asthma triggers

Using asthma medicines

Helping your child control asthma

Asthma Grant


Clay County Child Care Centers/Home Providers/Families (outside of KC city-limits) may contact Regina, Clay County Public Health Center at 816-595-4240 to set up an appointment for services available in Clay County.

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts f’real® foods Expands Voluntary Recall Of Strawberry Banana Smoothies Due To Potential Peanut Content

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts f’real® foods Expands Voluntary Recall Of Strawberry Banana Smoothies Due To Potential Peanut Content