The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall of alfalfa sprouts sold in several stores across the country due to the health risk they pose to consumers.
Why did the FDA recall alfalfa sprouts?
According to the agency, Listeria monocytogenes was found in 5-ounce packages of alfalfa sprouts after routine testing.
Where were the alfalfa sprouts contaminated with listeria sold?
The alfalfa sprout packages were sold in local supermarkets in three states:
- Minnesota
- Wyoming
- Iowa
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The product came in a 5-ounce transparent plastic package with the “Jack & The Green Sprouts” logo. It also had batch number 687 and the universal product code 763247198915.
Jack & The Green Sprouts, Inc., the product manufacturer based in Wisconsin, initiated a voluntary recall of the contaminated packages, although it emphasized that these packages had an expiration date of January 29, 2025.
What should I do if I bought alfalfa contaminated with listeria?
The FDA stated that, so far, no illnesses have been reported related to the alfalfa sprout recall; however, consumers are urged to dispose of the product immediately. For any questions or information, they can contact Jack & The Green Sprouts, Inc. at 715-425-9495, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central Time.
Products recalled for listeria contamination
In just the last year, more than a dozen foods have been recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration due to potential listeria contamination. These include packaged items such as:
- Poblano chili
- Cubanelle
- Green beans
- Organic bell peppers
- Serrano chili
- Jalapeño chili
- Squash
According to authorities, these products were sold in stores such as Walmart and Aldi, with Ohio, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Kentucky, New York, West Virginia, and Connecticut being the most affected states.
What is listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium responsible for an infection that can be very serious or even fatal. This condition particularly affects young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of listeria
Listeria infection may include the following symptoms, typically appearing within a month:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
- Confusion
In pregnant women, it can lead to miscarriages or stillbirth.
How is listeria transmitted?
The bacterium are widespread in the environment, present in both water and soil. Infected animals can also act as carriers and sources of transmission.
Listeria can be transmitted in the following ways:
- Consumption of unpasteurized milk or contaminated vegetables.
- Transmission from mother to fetus in the womb or directly to the fetus during childbirth.
- Through sexual contact.
- Through inhalation of the organism.
What foods cause listeria?
- Dairy products made with unpasteurized milk
- Ready-to-eat deli meats and processed meats (sausages, hams, and pâtés)
- Smoked fish, such as salmon
How dangerous is listeria?
Listeria infection can affect various organs, including the brain, spinal cord membranes, and the circulatory system.
How to prevent listeria?
Since this microorganism is widespread in the environment, the most effective protection is to follow basic hygiene practices. This includes consuming only pasteurized dairy products, ensuring meats are well cooked, and properly washing hands before preparing food.
It is also recommended that pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems avoid consuming these foods, along with soft cheeses and raw deli meats.
