Just as FDA was putting out the press release for SunSprout’s  "voluntary recall," counts of illnesses due to the sprout-caused salmonella outbreak were going up in the impacted states.

KELO-TV in Sioux Falls today was reporting that: "South Dakota health officials say the state is reporting 24 more probable cases of salmonella in addition to five confirmed cases last week." Also that: "At least 76 confirmed cases were reported in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and South Dakota."

Go here for more from KELO-TV.  Meanwhile here’s what FDA had to say:

SunSprout Enterprises, Inc., Omaha, Nebraska, is initiating a voluntary recall of Alfalfa Sprouts, Onion Sprouts, and Gourmet Sprouts based on communications it has had with Nebraska State officials regarding several cases of Salmonella St. Paul reported in Nebraska and Iowa.  The sprouts were distributed to food distributors located in Iowa and Nebraska who further sell the product to restaurants and retail stores. Distribution was also made directly to one retail store in Nebraska.

The sprouts are sold refrigerated under the SunSprouts label in 4-oz. clear plastic clamshell containers that have the following “Best If Sold By” dates in the upper right-hand corner on each container, which may be expressed in two different styles: 30209 or MAR 02 2009, 30409 or MAR 04 2009, 30709 or MAR 07 2009, 30909 or MAR 09 2009, 31109 or MAR 11 2009, and 31409 or MAR 14 2009. The lot numbers, which are printed only on the shipping case, include: 3102, 3202, 3302, 4102, 4202, and 4302.

The bar code for the retail packages of Alfalfa Sprouts is 815098001088; the bar code for the Onion Sprouts is 815098002054; and the bar code for the Gourmet Sprouts is 817180000153. The Alfalfa Sprouts are also packaged in bulk 2.5-lb. and 5-lb. cases for use in restaurants. The Onion Sprouts and Gourmet Sprouts are not packaged in bulk form.