Jack and the Green Sprouts Inc. has voluntarily recalled its 5-ounce packages of alfalfa sprouts with a January 29th expiration date. The recall, announced by the company on February 7th and published by the FDA on February 8th, is due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
This bacteria can cause severe, sometimes fatal, infections in vulnerable populations like young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals might experience temporary symptoms such as high fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. However, Listeria infection poses a serious risk to pregnant women, potentially leading to miscarriages and stillbirths.
The affected sprouts were distributed in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa through grocery stores and local co-ops. The recalled product is packaged in 5-ounce clear plastic containers labeled with lot #687 and UPC #763247198915 on the top. No illnesses have been linked to this product as of the recall date.
The potential contamination was discovered during routine testing conducted by the state of Minnesota, despite Jack and the Green Sprouts receiving negative results from an independent lab. As a precautionary measure, consumers are urged to discard any expired 5-ounce packages with the specified lot number.
According to the CDC, approximately 1,600 people contract listeriosis annually, resulting in about 260 deaths.
Jack and the Green Sprouts describes alfalfa sprouts as a nutritious and crunchy alternative to lettuce, rich in enzymes that aid digestion and detoxification. Their products are available throughout the Midwest in various retail outlets and wholesale distributors.
