Check your seed packets if you bought Country Creek Acres Alfalfa Sprout Seeds online. The Food and Drug Administration classified the nationwide recall as Class I on Nov. 9 and lists it as ongoing. The seeds may contain E. coli, Salmonella or both.
Country Creek LLC began the voluntary recall on Oct. 23. The FDA enforcement record says the recall covers 200 pounds sold to online customers nationwide. The company used seeds that its supplier had recalled, according to the FDA.
How to identify the seeds
The FDA lists 2-, 4-, 8- and 16-ounce packages. Its description includes a clear and silver bag with a white label and green, yellow and blue lettering. The record gives no lot code or purchase date range, so use the brand and product name on the bag or in your order history. The FDA recall number is H-0200-2027.
If you have recalled seeds, do not use them to grow sprouts. Discard them or return them to the seller. The FDA’s sprout safety guidance also advises cleaning surfaces and containers that touched recalled seeds or sprouts.
The outbreak investigation has ended
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention closed its broader alfalfa sprout outbreak investigation on Nov. 9 after reporting 77 illnesses across 16 states, six hospitalizations and no deaths. Investigators identified a recalled seed lot as a likely source of illness. The Country Creek recall record gives no seed lot number and does not attribute any illnesses to the brand.
The FDA also classified a separate recall of ready-to-eat alfalfa sprouts from Francisco Family Foods as Class I on Nov. 9. That recall covers sprouts distributed in Montana in 4-ounce and 1-pound bags.
