Health authorities have issued a nationwide recall of alfalfa sprouts, urging people not to eat affected products, after at least 44 people across Australia contracted an unusual strain of salmonella.

The recall applied to 125g packets of sprouts produced by Parilla Fresh, which included: Aussie Sprouts Alfalfa Sprouts, Hugo’s Alfalfa Onion & Garlic Sprouts, Hugo’s Alfalfa & Radish Sprouts, Hugo’s Alfalfa & Onion Sprouts, Hugo’s Salad Sprouts, Hugo’s Alfalfa & Broccoli Sprouts and Hugo’s Trio Sprouts Selection.

The notice applied to products sold in supermarkets and grocers nationally, with use-by dates up to and including 20 November 2025.

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It followed a joint investigation by interstate health and food regulatory authorities after an increase in a particular salmonella infection.

At least 44 people nationwide had been identified with the “unusual strain of salmonella”, including 18 people in New South Wales, nine in Victoria and 15 in Queensland, health authorities from each state said.

Health authorities said the affected alfalfa sprouts were sold in multiple supermarkets including Coles, Woolworths, IGA and other independent grocers and stores in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, the Northern Territory, Australia Capital Territory and South Australia.

Keira Glasgow, the director of the One Health Branch at NSW Health, said consumers should check their fridge and avoid eating any of the affected products, which could make them ill.

“Anyone who has consumed alfalfa sprouts should be on the lookout for symptoms, which include: headache, fever, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting,” she said.

Symptoms usually started 6-72 hours after exposure, and could last for up to a week.

“Most people recover within a week by having lots of rest and drinking plenty of fluids such as water or oral hydration drinks from a pharmacy,” Glasgow said.

“While anyone can get salmonella infection, infants, the elderly and people with poor immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.

“These people may need antibiotics from their doctor or, in more severe cases, hospitalisation.”

An investigation is under way involving authorities across jurisdictions.

The recall notice from Food Standards Australia New Zealand advised: “Consumers should not eat this product. Consumers should return the product(s) to the place of purchase for a full refund. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice.”