Alfalfa sprouts recalled by Fullei Fresh over STEC health risk - USA TODAY

Fullei Fresh has initiated a voluntary recall of some of its alfalfa sprouts "due to the detection of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC)," according to a company announcement published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week.

To date, no known-illnesses linked to Fullei Fresh's recalled product have been reported, the Miami-based grower and manufacturer said.

"STEC is a bacterial strain that is not part of our routine microbial testing conducted in compliance with the (FDA's regulations) on every lot we produce," Tuesday's company announcement read. "It was detected upon sampling of finished product by the FDA."

In a statement sent to USA TODAY on Wednesday, Fullei Fresh said that STEC was discovered in two out of 34 alfalfa samples sampled by the FDA in an unannounced December inspection.

"Fullei Fresh has always been at the forefront of food safety, especially knowing the concerns regarding the sprout industry," the company stated, noting that Tuesday's announcement is a correction to an initial press release that was issued Jan. 6.

"It is unfortunate that over the course of the past month and a half, there was miscommunication between us and the FDA, which caused confusion with our customers," Fulleri Fresh continued. "We are doing our best to communicate with all parties involved."

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What is STEC? What to know about symptoms, severity

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of STEC infections vary – but can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and sometimes mild fever. Most people get better within five to seven days, the CDC writes.

Some infections are "very mild while others can be more severe, the CDC adds. About 5 to 10% of people diagnosed with an STEC infection develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening complication, the CDC says. Young children and the elderly are the most at risk.

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Which Fullei Fresh alfalfa sprouts are at risk?

The Fullei Fresh alfalfa sprouts impacted by the recall have lot number 336. The products were shipped to retailers and distributors in Florida between Dec. 9 and Dec. 23, the company announcement said. No other Fullei Fresh products are affected. 

What should I do if I have them?

The recall announcement advised those in possession of the recalled alfalfa sprouts to discard of them.

"At this point, most have either consumed or discarded the sprouts since the sell by date was January 6. There have been no reported illnesses connected to this particular lot," Fullei Fresh stated.

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