May 11, 2015 — A recall has been issued for raw mung bean and soybean sprouts by Good Seed Inc. due to possible contamination with Listeria.
Fortunately, the recalled sprouts have not been linked to any reports of food poisoning. Health officials with the Virginia Department of Agriculture discovered the contamination during routine testing of the products.
The recalled sprouts were sold in 1-pound, 2-pound, and 10-pound clear plastic bags and marked with the “Goodseed” brand. They were produced on April 1, 2015 and sold in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and North Carolina.
Eating sprouts contaminated with Listeria could lead to a deadly case of food poisoning. The risk is especially serious for young children, people with weakened immune systems, and elderly adults. The recall notice warns:
“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.”
Although sprouts might seem like the ultimate health food, they are actually one of the most common sources of food poisoning. The FDA has recalled sprouts every year since at least 1995, and often multiple times per year from different manufacturers.
Last year, a deadly outbreak of Listeria was traced to sprouts from Wholesome Soy Products Inc. At least five people were hospitalized and two died in Michigan and Illinois.
There are many reasons why sprouts are so commonly contaminated. The biggest reason is that bacteria likes to grow in the same warm, wet conditions that seeds require to sprout. Another problem is that sprouts are often eaten raw or undercooked.
Do I have a Food Poisoning Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting food poisoning induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Listeria, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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