Multistate outbreak of Salmonella serovar Muenchen infections associated with alfalfa sprouts grown from seeds pretreated with calcium hypochlorite

During September 1999, a multistate outbreak of Salmonella serovar Muenchen infection associated with eating raw alfalfa sprouts was identified in Wis consin. Despite use of a calcium hypochlorite sanitizing procedure to pretr eat seeds before sprouting, at least 157 outbreak-related illnesses were id entified in seven states having sprouters who received alfalfa seed from a specific lot. The continued occurrence of sprout-related outbreaks despite presprouting disinfection supports the concern that no available treatment will eliminate pathogens from seeds before sprouting and reinforces the nee d for additional safeguards to protect the public. A lack of consumer knowl edge regarding exposure to sprouts documented in this investigation suggest s that more-targeted outreach to high-risk individuals may be needed to red uce their risk.