Sunday Sept. 7, 2008 (foodconsumer.org) -- Oregon State Public Health Division and Oregon Department of Agriculture officials on Sept. 4 announced a voluntary recall of Sprouter’s Northwest brand alfalfa sprouts due to potential contamination of salmonella.

Public officials said most cases of salmonellosis do not require treatment, but those who ate the recalled sprouts and developed severe symptoms should seek medical attention.

"These alfalfa sprouts have been identified as the cause of an ongoing outbreak of salmonellosis," said Dr. Paul Cieslak, an epidemiologist with the Oregon Department of Human Services State Public Health Division.

"Consumers who have them in their refrigerators should discard them immediately and if you develop severe symptoms call your doctor."

As of Tuesday, 13 cases of salmonella illness has been reported associated with eating sprouts in Oregon and Washington. All cases have occurred since August 1, 2008, according to the press release by the state agencies.

The sprouts were distributed through wholesalers to grocery stores, restaurants, and other retail outlets in both Oregon and Washington.

The sprouts being recalled were sold in packages labeled “alfalfa sprouts,” “salad sprouts” or "onion sprouts" or were sold as mixed sizes .

“Sprouter’s Northwest has agreed to voluntarily recall its alfalfa sprouts and is cooperating fully with our ongoing investigation,” Dr. Cieslak said.

State and federal officials are working with the Kent, Wash.-based grower to remove potentially contaminated sprouts from distribution. Outlets including retailers, wholesalers and restaurants are advised to pay attention to the recalled sprouts.

In severe cases, salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, and vomiting within one to five days of eating tainted food. The elderly, the immunocompromised and the very young are the people who are most susceptible to the illness.