District of Columbia: The D.C. department of health issues recommendation not to eat raw alfalfa sprouts
Issue date: 5/3/09 Section: Neighborhood
The District of Columbia Department of Health has received notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommending that consumers do not eat raw alfalfa sprouts including sprout blends containing alfalfa sprouts (other types of sprouts have not been implicated at this time). This recommendation should be followed until further notice due to the linkage to Salmonella. The FDA's news release can be accessed at the following Web site: www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW02001.html
Currently, there have been 31 reported cases of Salmonella to the CDC from Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia. Those that have become ill reported eating raw alfalfa sprouts purchased from restaurants or groceries.
To date, there have been no cases of Salmonella due to eating raw alfalfa sprouts reported to the District of Columbia Department of Health (DOH) by local hospitals, clinician offices, and commercial laboratories. The following are tips concerning how to handle raw alfalfa sprouts contact:
1. Avoid sandwiches and salads purchased at restaurants and delicatessens often contain raw sprouts.
2. Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw foods.
3. Cook all sprouts thoroughly before eating to significantly reduce the risk of illness.
4. Homegrown sprouts also present a health risk if eaten raw or lightly cooked.
Currently, there have been 31 reported cases of Salmonella to the CDC from Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia. Those that have become ill reported eating raw alfalfa sprouts purchased from restaurants or groceries.
To date, there have been no cases of Salmonella due to eating raw alfalfa sprouts reported to the District of Columbia Department of Health (DOH) by local hospitals, clinician offices, and commercial laboratories. The following are tips concerning how to handle raw alfalfa sprouts contact:
1. Avoid sandwiches and salads purchased at restaurants and delicatessens often contain raw sprouts.
2. Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw foods.
3. Cook all sprouts thoroughly before eating to significantly reduce the risk of illness.
4. Homegrown sprouts also present a health risk if eaten raw or lightly cooked.
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