Recall of Sprouting Seed Mix Due to Salmonella

An Illinois Company is recalling its NOW Real Food® Zesty Sprouting Mix – Product Code 7271, Lot #3031259 and Lot #3038165 – because its primary ingredient, Crimson Clover Seeds, has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, "Evidence of potential contamination was implicated in ongoing FDA and CDC investigations into multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections, of which the clover seed supplier was notified'.

The sprouting mix is comprised by three different seed types. The consumer actually sprouts the seeds according to directions - Place two tablespoons of seeds in a sprouting jar with three times as much water as seeds. Soak overnight. Rinse seeds and drain twice daily, store in low humidity without direct sunlight. About the fourth day place rinsed sprout jar in indirect sunlight to develop green chlorophyll leaves.

Generally, seeds are sanitized before sprouting  in commercial operations.  If Salmonella is present in these consumer packs, and with no listed sanitation step for the consumer,  Salmonella can grow as the seeds germinate and grow.


https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm611388.htm
Now Health Group Inc. Recalls Select Now Real Food® Zesty Sprouting Mix Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
June 21, 2018
Contact
Consumers  NOW’s Customer Service Department  888-669-3663
Media  Alana Horinko  Alana.horinko@nowfoods.com   630-545-9098

Announcement

NOW Health Group, Inc. (NOW), of Bloomingdale, Illinois, is recalling its NOW Real Food® Zesty Sprouting Mix – Product Code 7271, Lot #3031259 and Lot #3038165 – because its primary ingredient, Crimson Clover Seeds, has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism 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 (which may be bloody), 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.

Approximately 10,000 units of Zesty Sprouting Mix were distributed online and in retail stores nationwide since December 2017.

Recalled products include:
UPC Code Description Lot Number Best By Date

733739072719 NOW Real Food® Zesty Sprouting Mix, 16 oz. 3031259 (located on back of package) 12/20

733739072719 NOW Real Food® Zesty Sprouting Mix, 16 oz. 3038165 (located on back of package) 01/21

No other products are affected or are involved in this recall. No illnesses have been reported to date.




Evidence of potential contamination was implicated in ongoing FDA and CDC investigations into multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections, of which the clover seed supplier was notified.




NOW has provided information on this recall to all its retailers who purchased this product and has encouraged retailers to make every effort to contact their customers to facilitate the return of affected products.




Consumers who have purchased the recalled Zesty Sprouting Mix should stop using the product immediately and return it to place of purchase for a full refund. Receipt is not required for refund.




Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact NOW’s Customer Service Department by phone at 888-NOW-FOODS (888-669-3663) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central time.