Sprouter Issues Third Recall Notice Due to Listeria

A Virginia company has issued a recall for soybean sprouts and mung bean sprouts after the samples of the product were found to be positive.  The testing was conducted by Virginia Laboratory Services.

This is the third recall issued by this producer, with earlier recalls coming in May and June.  Do you think they have a problem?  One could also wonder what was required of this company before they were allowed to begin producing again.

Further, this shows how Listeria can be difficult to eliminate once it becomes established.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm458037.htm
Good Seed Inc. Recalls Soybean Sprouts & Mung Bean Sprouts Due To A Possible Health Risk

Contact:  Consumer:  (703) 392-0075

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 3, 2015 – Springfield, VA – Good Seed Inc. of Springfield, VA is voluntarily recalling all packages of soybean sprouts and mung bean sprouts because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections to individuals 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.

The following products are being recalled by the firm.
1-lb bags of soybean sprouts in clear plastic bags labeled "GOODSEED Soy Bean Sprouts" "Keep Refrigerated" with a UPC Code of "21111 10035" produced on or after June 22, 2015.
1-lb bags of mung bean sprouts in clear plastic bags labeled "GOODSEED Mung Bean Sprouts" "Keep Refrigerated" with a UPC code of "21111 20136" produced on or after June 22, 2015.
2-lb bags of soybean sprouts in clear plastic bags labeled "GOODSEED Soy Bean Sprouts" "Keep Refrigerated" with a UPC Code of "21112 58772" produced on or after June 22, 2015.
2-lb bags of mung bean sprouts in clear plastic bags labeled "GOODSEED Mung Bean Sprouts" "Keep Refrigerated" with a UPC code of "21111 25871" produced on or after June 22, 2015.
10-lb bags of soybean sprouts in black plastic bags labeled with a sticker "GOODSEED Soy Bean Sprouts" produced on or after June 22, 2015.
10-lb bags of mung bean sprouts in clear plastic bags labeled with a sticker "GOODSEED Mung Bean Sprouts" produced on or after June 22, 2015.

These items were distributed to retail stores in Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey.

The contamination was discovered through surveillance and monitoring coordinated by the Virginia Rapid Response Team (RRT), Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and testing by the Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services which revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the product.

Individuals who purchased soybean sprouts and mung bean sprouts, distributed by Good Seed Inc. should return the product to the place of sale for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company directly at 703-392-0075 or the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Food Safety Program at 804-786-3520.