Good Seed Again Recalls Soybean, Mung Bean Sprouts for Listeria Risk

In the third such recall this year, Good Seed Inc. of Springfield, VA, is recalling all packages of soybean sprouts and mung bean sprouts because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Elaine Lidholm, director of communications for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, told Food Safety News on Tuesday that no illnesses had been reported in connection with these recalled sprouts, but that the company was being investigated.

The following products are being recalled by the firm:

• 1-lb. bags of soybean sprouts in clear plastic bags labeled “GOODSEED Soy Bean Sprouts” “Keep Refrigerated” with a UPC Code of “21111 10035″ produced on or after June 22, 2015.
• 1-lb. bags of mung bean sprouts in clear plastic bags labeled “GOODSEED Mung Bean Sprouts” “Keep Refrigerated” with a UPC code of “21111 20136″ produced on or after June 22, 2015.
• 2-lb. bags of soybean sprouts in clear plastic bags labeled “GOODSEED Soy Bean Sprouts” “Keep Refrigerated” with a UPC Code of “21112 58772″ produced on or after June 22, 2015.
• 2-lb. bags of mung bean sprouts in clear plastic bags labeled “GOODSEED Mung Bean Sprouts” “Keep Refrigerated” with a UPC code of “21111 25871″ produced on or after June 22, 2015.
• 10-lb. bags of soybean sprouts in black plastic bags labeled with a sticker “GOODSEED Soy Bean Sprouts” produced on or after June 22, 2015.
• 10-lb. bags of mung bean sprouts in clear plastic bags labeled with a sticker “GOODSEED Mung Bean Sprouts” produced on or after June 22, 2015.

These items were distributed to retail stores in Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey.

The contamination was discovered through surveillance and monitoring coordinated by the Virginia Rapid Response Team (RRT), Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and testing by the Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, which revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the product.

Individuals who purchased soybean sprouts and mung bean sprouts distributed by Good Seed Inc. should return the product to the place of sale for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company directly at (703) 392-0075, or the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Food Safety Program, at (804) 786-3520.

The previous Good Seed Inc. sprout recalls were in May and June 2015, also for potential Listeria contamination.

Listeria is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections to individuals 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.

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