Company recalls its product containing Salmonella bacterium

The California Department of Public Health on Sunday warned consumers not to eat certain brands of alfalfa sprouts because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Photo: Company recalls its product containing Salmonella bacterium

Two manufacturers voluntarily recalled their products from grocery stories and wholesale distributors, officials said.

The product recalled is "nature's choice alfalfa sprouts" with an expiration date of March 9, packaged into plastic tubs by J.H. Caldwell and Sons in Los Angeles suburb of Maywood and distributed at Trader Joe's stores in states including Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, according to the California-based company.

Several illnesses have been reported across the state, including one in Contra Costa County and two in San Francisco .

Salmonella is a genus of rod-shaped Gram-negative enterobacteria that causes typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever, and foodborne illness. Salmonella species are motile and produce hydrogen sulfide. Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting.

The prevention of Salmonella as a food illness involves effective sanitizing of food contact surfaces. Alcohol has proven to be an effective topical sanitizer against Salmonella. Quaternary ammonium can be used in conjunction with alcohol as a food-contact safe sanitizer with increased duration of the sanitizing action. Nonflammable Alcohol Vapor in carbon dioxide NAV-CO2 systems or sodium hypochlorite (bleach) are frequently used to sanitize surfaces to prevent Salmonella. Food containing raw eggs should be thoroughly cooked or frozen before eating.