According to News Week, Wisconsin-based company Jack and the Green Sprouts, Inc. has issued a recall for its alfalfa and alfalfa onion sprouts due to concerns about possible contamination with listeria. The announcement was made public by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday, urging consumers to take caution.
Details of the Recalled Products
The recalled alfalfa sprouts were sold in 5-ounce plastic containers and bear lot number 300 UPC 763247198915 or lot number 246 UPC 763247195945, which can be found on the top of the packaging. These items were distributed to grocery stores and co-ops across Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. So far, no illnesses related to the recalled products have been reported.
“The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 5-ounce packages of alfalfa sprouts,” the company’s announcement stated. Production of the affected product has been suspended while the company investigates the source of the contamination.
What Consumers Should Do
Customers who have purchased these recalled sprouts are advised to discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have any questions, you can reach Jack and the Green Sprouts at 715-425-9495 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday.
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Understanding the Dangers of Listeria
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeria infections, often affecting the gastrointestinal tract, can cause food poisoning symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. Listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the U.S., resulting in around 1,600 infections and 260 deaths each year.
While symptoms from a listeria infection typically take three to four weeks to appear, some signs may emerge as soon as the first week after exposure. The infection is particularly dangerous for pregnant individuals, those over the age of 65, and people with weakened immune systems.
Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: A Broader Concern
This recall comes amid a larger listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head liverwurst that has caused at least 10 deaths and dozens of hospitalizations since July. The CDC has indicated that the actual number of affected individuals could be higher, as many recover from listeria without seeking medical attention.
In response, Boar’s Head has indefinitely suspended the production of liverwurst and shut down its Jarratt, Virginia, plant, which was at the center of the outbreak. In a September 13 update, Boar’s Head described the outbreak as “a dark moment in our company’s history” and emphasized its commitment to improving food safety not just within their operations, but across the industry.
