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FSPCA - Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance

Friday, April 27, 2018

Packaged Microgreens Recalled After Positive Listeria Sample Detected

A Canadian firm, Greenbelt Greenhouse LTD of British Columbia, is recalling various clamshell packs of microgreens after the State of Washington Department of Agriculture tested and found Listeria in product.  "Due to the potential risk of contamination the company has ceased the production and distribution of all product as Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem."

Listeria contamination is likely from the packing environment where product is washed, mixed and packed.  These types of processes occur in a moist environment which can be conducive to Listeria.  In the growing area, spray systems and condensation are also a possibility as is harvest collection bins.





https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm605702.htm
Greenbelt Greenhouse Ltd Recalls Greenbelt Microgreens Brand Microgreens Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
April 25, 2018
Contact
Consumers  info@greenbeltmicrogreens.ca  519-647-1112

Announcement

Greenbelt Greenhouse LTD of British Columbia, Canada is recalling all Greenbelt Microgreen products with the best before dates from 4/24/18 and 4/30/18 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others 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.

Greenbelt Microgreen products can be identified by the Greenbelt Microgreen label (which is purple & Green) on the lid of the plastic clamshells which is clear. The best before date can be found on the bottom left corner of the label above the UPC barcode.

The affected Greenbelt Microgreens brand microgreens were distributed to Whole Foods stores in Washington between 04/11/18 and 04/24/2018.

All dates have a Best Before: 4/24/18 and 4/30/18 and include these packs"
  • Arugula Microgreens 
  • Broccoli Microgreens 
  • Fresh Microgreen Mix 
  • Sweet & Crunchy Microgreen Mix 
  • Greenbelt Microgreens Spicy Microgreen Mix 
  • Greenbelt Microgreens Pea Shoots Microgreens 
  • Greenbelt Microgreens Sunflower Microgreens 
No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of sampling program by Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) which revealed that the Broccoli Microgreen contained the bacteria. Due to the potential risk of contamination the company has ceased the production and distribution of all product as Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and WSDA.

If consumers are in possession of these products, they should dispose of or return them to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions may contact Greenbelt Greenhouse LTD at 1-519-647-1112 from Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm EST. Additionally, we can be reached by email at info@greenbeltmicrogreens.ca

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