Officials Warn Consumers Of Contaminated Sprouts

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- California health officials are warning consumers that certain sprouts distributed by a Central Valley company may be contaminated with salmonella.

   The state Department of Public Health on Friday urged residents not to eat several sprout products packaged by Fresno-based Louie Foods International.

   Officials say so far no illnesses have been reported.

   Products being recalled include Louie's brand alfalfa sprout mix, clover sprouts, spicy sprouts and broccoli sprouts with a use-by date on or before April 14, 2011.

   They were sold to distributors in the Central Valley and along the Central Coast.

   Salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and other symptoms. Most people recover within a week, but infection can cause more severe illness in infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

   (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)