The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has posted a recall for Henry’s Farm’s soybean sprouts for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. That facility was closed by the federal government on March 3, 2016 for unsanitary conditions. In fact, there have been recalls of Henry’s Farm sprouts for Listeria contamination in 2012, 2014, and 2015 and a warning letter sent to the facility in 2012.
The recall is for all packages of soybean sprouts “produced on or after March 1, 2016.” No illnesses have been reported in connection with the consumption with these recalled products, but listeriosis, the illness caused by this pathogenic bacteria, can take up to 70 days to appear.
The recalled items are 1 pound bags of soybean sprouts in clear plastic bags labeled “Natto Soybean Sprouts” and “Keep Refrigerated” with a UPC number of 1303020000 produced on or after March 1, 2016. Also recalled are 10 pound bags of soybean sprouts in black plastic bags labeled “Soy Bean Sprouts” and “Keep Refrigerated.” There is no UPC number for that product. They were produced on or after March 1, 2016. The sprouts were distributed to retail stores in Virginia and Maryland.
If you purchased these products, do not eat them. Throw them away in a sealed or double bagged container or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Wash your hands well with soap and water after handling the sprouts or their packaging. Then clean out your refrigerator with a mild bleach solution of one tablespoon liquid chlorine bleach to one gallon of warm water. Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can grow at refrigerator temperatures.
If you ate any of these recalled sprouts, watch yourself for the symptoms of listeriosis for the next 70 days. Those symptoms include flu-like fever and muscle aches, upset stomach or diarrhea, stiff neck, headache, loss of balance, and confusion. Pregnant women can have serious problems if they contract this infection, even though their illness is mild. Listeriosis can cause stillbirth, miscarriage, premature labor, and infection in the newborn baby. If you develop any of these symptoms, see your doctor.
