Listeria triggers recall of sprouts in U.S., Canada

Sprout recall: Sprouters Northwest Inc., Kent, Wash., is recalling almost a ton of sprout products in the U.S. and Canada because of potential listeria contamination. IMAGE

Getty Images. file photo. Sprout recall: Sprouters Northwest Inc., Kent, Wash., is recalling almost a ton of sprout products in the U.S. and Canada because of potential listeria contamination. IMAGE

1/29/13 By Riya Bhattacharjee, MSN News

Most of the recalled sprouts had a Jan. 26 expiration date, but the alfalfa sprouts included in the recall don’t expire until Jan. 31.

Sprouters Northwest Inc. is recalling 1,953 pounds of sprouts in the U.S. and Canada because of potential listeria contamination, according to the Food & Drug Administration . No illnesses have been reported.

The company, in Kent, Wash., is working with the FDA and other state health agencies on the recall.

The specific type of sprouts recalled were: alfalfa, clover, brocco sandwich sprouts and spicy sprouts.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and those 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.

Most of the recalled sprouts had a Jan. 26 expiration date, but the alfalfa sprouts included in the recall don’t expire until Jan. 31.

The FDA notice says the sprouts were distributed from Jan. 10-18 in in Washington, Oregon, Alaska and British Columbia through the retail and foodservice distribution chain.

The affected products are sold under the Sprouters Northwest brand and are packaged in plastic clamshell containers and plastic one-pound bags.

The FDA is asking consumers not to eat the recalled sprouts products and is advising them to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (253) 872-0577 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST with any questions.

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