Sprouters Northwest of Kent, Washington is voluntarily recalling all varieties of sprouts products, wheatgrass and pea shoots due to the potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
All varieties of sprouts products including 3-Bean Munchie, Alfalfa, Bean, Broccoli, Brocco Sandwich sprouts, Clover, Deli, Spicy; Wheatgrass and/or Pea Shoots were distributed through 1/30/2013 in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and British Columbia, Canada through retail stores and food service distribution chain.
The affected products are sold under the Sprouters Northwest and LifeForce brand names and are packaged in plastic clamshell containers, plastic cups, plastic trays in 3 oz., 4 oz., 5 oz., and in plastic 1 lb. 2lb, or 5lb. bags. The Best by Dates are including all and up to 2/17/2013.
The problem was identified through surveillance finished products samples collected at retail locations and at the firm by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Sprouters Northwest is working with WSDA and the Food & Drug Administration on this recall.
Consumers should not consume the recalled sprouts product, wheatgrass, pea shoots and are advised to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-253-872-0577 from 7AM to 2PM PST.
Source: FDA
