Listeria Risk Leads to Sprouters Northwest Sprout Recall

A recall has been issued for 1,953 pounds of sprouts, after samples indicate the presence of Listeria Monocytogens, which could cause serious and potentially life-threatening infections, especially among young children, the elderly and those with a compromised immune system.  

A Sprouters Northwest Sprout recall was announced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 28, after surveillance sampling and two samples collected at retail locations tested positive for listeria by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). However, there have been no reports of listeria food poisoning connected to the sprout recall.

The sprouts were manufactured by Sprouter Northwest of Kent, Washington and distributed through retail stores and food service distribution chain in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and British Columbia, Canada between January 10, 2013 and January 18, 2013.

The  following affected products were sold under the “Sprouter Northwest” brand name and were packaged in plastic clamshell containers and 1 lb plastic bags.

• 5oz container Clover Sprouts with best by date 1/26/2013 and UPC 0 33383 70325 3
• 1 lb bag Clover Sprouts with best by date 1/26/2013 and UPC 0 79566 12351 5
• 2lb tray Clover Sprouts with best by date 1/26/2013 and UPC 0 79566 12351 5
• 4oz container Clover Sprouts with best by date 1/26/2013 and UPC 8 15098 00201 6
• 4oz Brocco Sandwich Sprouts with best by date 1/26/2013 and UPC 8 15098 00028 9
• 4oz Spicy Sprouts with best by date 1/26/2013 and UPC 8 15098 00202 3
• 4oz Alfalfa Sprouts with best by date 1/31/2013 and UPC 8 15098 00108 8
• 3 oz Alfalfa Sprouts with best by date 1/31/2013 and UPC 8 51042 00402 6

Listeria infections pose a serious risk to young children and the elderly due to a weakened immune system. For pregnant women, listeriosis can pose a serious risk of miscarriages and still births.

Listeriosis has become more prevalent and concerning than some of the more common contaminations such as Salmonella. Simply because most people do not experience symptoms immediately. Listeria symptoms consist of fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea. Some people may develop more severe symptoms such as meningitis, mental changes, brain abscesses, or death.

Sprout recalls are fairly common and have been found to carry many different forms of harmful bacteria in recent years, such as listeria monocytogens, E.coli. Last year the Jimmy John’s sandwich chain announced the company would stop using clover sprouts due to repeated recalls.

The distributor recommends that consumers stop eating the recalled sprouts immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Sprouters Northwest at 1-253-872-0577.