Recalled alfalfa sprouts may be linked to three illnesses, reports county

San Diego County Department of Environmental Health is investigating three illnesses that match a Salmonella outbreak linked to three brands of alfalfa sprouts. Consumers are urged to check for the recalled products.

The products are connected to 23 illnesses in 10 states, including 11 people in California. The latest known illness was on May 2, Tammy Glenn with county environmental health reported on Friday. Six cases nationwide have required hospitalization.

The following products have been recalled:

• Caldwell Fresh Foods in 4-ounce plastic cups, 1-pound plastic bags, and 2-pound and 5-pound plastic bags in cardboard boxes;

• Nature’s Choice in 4-ounce plastic cups; and

• California Fresh Exotics Brand in 5-ounce plastic clamshell containers.

Photos of the recalled brands may be seen on the California Department of Public Health website, www.cdph.ca.gov/pubsforms/Documents/fdbFrCFFa.pdf.

Environmental health officials say the only stores affected in San Diego County are Trader Joe’s locations, and they believe the products have been pulled from the shelves but are checking with the stores to be sure.

Anyone who has the products should throw them away or return them to the store where they were purchased.

Salmonella is a bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting. It is especially dangerous to young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.

To report an illness linked to the recall, call 619-515-6620.