A district court judge has ordered the closure of Alfred Louie Inc. of Bakersfield, CA until the company cleans its facility, eliminating unsanitary conditions and the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The problems were discovered during inspections by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Gordon Louie and Victor Louie, the owners of the company, which makes ready-to-eat mung bean and soybean sprouts and wheat flour noodles, have agreed under terms of a court order not to process or distribute food until the problems are corrected.
Since 2000, FDA inspectors have documented numerous violations at the facility. In April and May 2013, Listeria was detected in sprouts and in the company’s facility. In addition to mung bean and soybean sprouts, the company also makes wheat flour noodles and packs and distributes refrigerated and frozen foods including flour, nuts, rice, tea and spices received from other manufacturers.
Listeria is a bacteria that causes an infection called listeriosis which can be serious and sometimes fatal. Young children, seniors, pregnant women and others with weakened immune systems are at heightened risk. Listeriosis in pregnant women can cause miscarriage and stillbirth. Symptoms of a Listeria infection include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. See a doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
