Microgreens Recalled for the Salmonella Contamination

A Kansas firm is recalling microgreens due to the potential for Salmonella.  The recall comes after examinations by FDA revealed the product contained Salmonella.

Microgreens are similar to bean sprouts in that seeds of various plants are grown from the seed and harvested after sprouting, however with microgreens, the immature greens are cut to include only the stem and leaves.  This is normally within a month of germination.   A variety of plants can be eaten this way and according to a microgreen website, "Some common varieties include amaranth, basil, beets, broccoli, cabbage, celery, chard, chervil, coriander/cilantro, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, parsley, peas, radish, rocket/arugula, spinach, and sorrel."  In this recall, it was Asian style microgreens.

This issue is that if Salmonella is present on the seeds, then it can grow along with the germinating seed.  It can be difficult to eliminate Salmonella from the seeds.  There was a similar recall in October of 2016.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm548250.htm
Chlorofields Recalls Asian MIicrogreens Because Of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
March 23, 2017Contact
Consumers 785-304-3226
Announcement
View Product Photos

ChloroFields of Lawrence, KS is recalling 20 cases of Asian Microgreens, because they have potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, anorganism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The products were distributed throughout Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri, and were made available through retail grocery stores.

The product comes in a 1.5 oz clamshell, and is identified as Asian Mix Microgreens with a sell by date of 3/26/2017. The sell by date is located on a white sticker on the bottom of the container. The UPC number of the product is 853763007096.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was a result of routine examinations conducted by the FDA that revealed finished product that contained the bacteria. Chlorofields along with the FDA is continuing investigation as to what caused the problem, and has ceased distributing the product.

Consumers are urged not to consume the product and to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Questions may be directed to ChloroFields at 785-304-3226. The phone line will be monitored Monday through Friday 8AM-5PM CDT.