Negligence Suspected in Alfalfa Sprout Contamination
On April 30, the FDA and CDC announced a general advisory for consumers not to eat raw alfalfa sprouts sold in stores and served in restaurants. Since mid-March, reports have linked Salmonella serotype Saintpaul contamination with ingestion of these sprouts. Symptoms of salmonella infection include abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Consumers in Tennessee, particularly young children and the elderly, should avoid eating this contaminated food product until further notice.
Salmonella Saintpaul is a rare strain of salmonella that was linked to the salmonella outbreak of June/July 2008, which made approximately 40 thousand people across the United States sick.
The FDA/CDC investigation indicates that the problem may be linked to contamination of alfalfa seeds. So far, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia have reported 31 cases of the illness. However, this number is likely a small fraction of the total number of actual infections due to under-reporting. The FDA has also linked the current infection to defective seeds discovered earlier this year.
The current contamination raises a likelihood of food products liability. The FDA reports that a likely cause is the failure of sprout growers to appropriately and consistently follow the FDA Sprout Guidance issued in 1999. The guidance recommends an effective seed disinfection treatment immediately before the start of sprouting and regularly testing the water used for every batch of sprouts for salmonella and E coli contamination.
The fact that this is the second round of contamination this year suggests a pattern of negligent conduct on the part of sprout growers.
Residents in Tennessee who have eaten raw alfalfa sprouts within the past few months and fallen seriously ill may have a Knoxville products liability claim for medical bills and lost wages. Call 866-853-2888 today to speak with one of Tennessee’s skilled personal injury attorneys at Baker Associates.
