A second producer has issued a recall for alfalfa sprouts, amid fears of salmonella contamination.

The step by the Victorian-based Flowerdale Farm follows a nationwide recall issued by NSW producer Parilla Fresh late last week.

“Consumers should not eat this product,” Monday’s recall notice from Food Safety Australia New Zealand said.

NSW Health said on Saturday it had already identified at least 44 people nationwide with the unusual strain of salmonella, including 18 in NSW.

“There is a risk that if these affected alfalfa sprouts are consumed you could become ill,” NSW Health director One Health Branch, Keira Glasgow said.

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

Victorian health authorities said at least nine of those with the unusual strain of salmonella were in that state.

Chief health officer Dr Caroline McElnay said anyone who had recently bought the affected products should discard them immediately.

She said symptoms usually started six-72 hours after exposure to the bacteria and lasted for up to seven days, but could be longer.

“Most people recover within about a week and do not need treatment but you should see your doctor if your symptoms last longer than a few days,” McElnay said.

“The best thing you can do is rest at home and drink a lot of fluids, such as water or oral rehydration drinks.”

Some of the alfalfa sprout products affected by the recall. Photo: FSANZ

People are advised to contact their doctor if :

• symptoms last longer than a few days;
• diarrhoea is severe or bloody;
• they are at risk for severe salmonella (young children, older people, and people with poor immune systems);
• or they are worried.

Parilla Fresh’s recall relates to products sold at Woolworths and Coles nationally, independent grocers such as IGA in NSW and Harris Farm in NSW, ACT and Victoria, Sydney Markets in NSW, and Melbourne Markets in Victoria. All are 125-gram packets and have use-by dates up to, and including, November 20.

Flowerdale Farm’s products have been sold at fruit and vegetable shops across Victoria. They have the same use-by dates and weigh 120 or 125 grams.

More information is available from Flowerdale Farm, Parilla Fresh and Aussie Sprouts.

Non-urgent medical advice is also available from healthdirect for free (24 hours) on 1800 022 222.​