When San Francisco area Vegans opened their newspapers this morning (3/3), they could not have liked reading that the California Department of Public Health was warning  consumers not to eat certain brands of alfalfa sprouts because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, several illnesses have been reported across the state, including one in Contra Costa County and two in San Francisco. Two manufacturers voluntarily recalled their products from grocery stories and wholesale distributors, officials said.

Products recalled are:

Salad Cosmo Alfalfa Sprouts, sold by Salad Cosmo USA Corp. in 2.5-ounce containers with white and green labels, and in clear 1-pound bags with blue labeling. Product codes on these containers are 0219, 0220, 0221, 0222, 0223, 0224, 0226, 0227, 0228, 0229, 0302 and 0303.

Always Fresh and Alfa One Alfalfa Sprouts, produced by J.H. Caldwell and Sons, Inc. in 4-ounce and 5-ounce containers. Product codes on these containers are 202182, 202192, 202212, 202222, 202232, 202252, 202262 and 202272.

The public was advised that Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting. The public health department said those who believe they are ill should refrigerate the remains of the sprouts and contact Environmental Health Services at (831) 454 2022.