Manna Organics Tofu, Sprout Recall Issued Due to Listeria Contamination

A number of different soybean sprouts and tofu products have been recalled by Manna Orgaincs, Inc., due to potential concerns about contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, which could cause serious and potentially life-threatening infections, especially among young children, the elderly and those with a compromised immune system.

The tofu and sprout recall was issued by the manufacturer on August 31, impacting products distributed to various restaurants, retailers and distributors on or after July 17, 2012.

Although there have been no food poisoning illnesses identified in connection with the recall, the manufacturer has indicated that the soybean sprouts and tofu may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, which is the bacteria that may lead to listeriosis.

Manna Organic has identified the following products that may pose a risk of listeriosis: “Soonyeowon Soybean Sprouts”, “Soonyeowon Healthy Soybean Sprouts”,” Jinga Firm and Soft Tofu”,” Soonyeowon Firm and Soft Tofu”,” Soonyeowon Silken Tofu”,”Soon Tofu”, “Small Tofu”, “Soy Milk”, and various packaging sizes of “Tofu Large Bucket”.

Many of these products are sold in clear plastic containers or in a white plastic pail enclosed in a plastic bag. In addition, because they were sold to restaurants and retailers that may repackage them in other food products, it may be difficult for consumers to identify the recalled tofu and sprouts.

The manufacturer has indicated that the tofu and sprouts were directly distributed to locations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois and Texas. However, they may have been re-distributed to other locations.

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.