Australian authorities have issued a nationwide recall for alfalfa sprouts sold in major supermarkets after an outbreak of an “unusual strain” of Salmonella sickened at least 44 people.
The contaminated products, made by Parilla Fresh, were sold in Coles, Woolworths, IGA and other independent grocers in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.
The recall, announced by a regulatory food standards authority, affects 125 gram packets of alfalfa sprouts with a best before date of November 20, 2025. Consumers are urged not to eat the products and to return them for a full refund.
A statement from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) said: “Consumers should not eat this product. Consumers should return the product(s) to the place of purchase for a full refund. All consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice.”
The recall followed a joint investigation by state and federal food regulators and health authorities following a spike in infections caused by a rare form of salmonella.
“At least 44 people across the country have been identified with the unusual form of salmonella, including 18 in New South Wales, nine in Victoria and 15 in Queensland,” authorities in each state said.
Keira Glasgow, director of the One Health Branch at NSW Health, warned consumers to immediately throw away any affected packages.
“There is a risk that if you consume these affected alfalfa sprouts you could become ill,” she said. “Anyone who has consumed alfalfa sprouts should be on the lookout for symptoms, including headache, fever, stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.”
Ms Glasgow said symptoms of salmonella usually appear six to 72 hours after exposure and last four to seven days, although in some cases they can last longer.
“Most people recover within a week by getting plenty of rest and drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or oral hydration drinks from a pharmacy,” she said.
“Although anyone can get a salmonella infection, infants, the elderly, and people with poor immune systems are more likely to develop severe illness. These people may need antibiotics from their doctor or, in more severe cases, hospitalization.”
The company Parilla Fresh said it had voluntarily recalled the products as a precaution while further testing was carried out. The company is working with authorities to determine how the contamination occurred. It said the recall was “a precautionary measure to protect public health” and that it was “working with regulators to ensure the problem was contained.”
The outbreak has renewed public concern about the safety of fresh produce, following a number of high-profile food recalls in recent years. In 2018, a salmonella outbreak linked to rockmelons killed seven people, leading to major changes in agricultural hygiene protocols.
NSW Health said it was working closely with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and health authorities in multiple states to monitor the supply chain and identify the source of contamination.
Officials urged Australians who develop symptoms to seek medical advice and contact their local public health unit. Those requiring non-urgent assistance can also call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222, which is available 24 hours a day.
Salmonella infections are among the most common foodborne illnesses in Australia. Symptoms usually resolve without treatment, but vulnerable people may experience dehydration, serious infections or, rarely, life-threatening complications.
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