Bean Sprouts Sold In Massachusetts Recalled For Possible Listeria

MASSACHUSETTS — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a recall of multiple products from Massachusetts's Chang Farm containing mung bean sprouts and soybean sprouts due to possible Listeria, officials announced in a Tuesday news release.

The affected product is packaged in:

• Beans Sprouts 10lb bag and bag in box
• Nature's Wonder Premium Beans Sprouts 12oz bag (UPC: 815098001330)
• Nature's Wonder Premium Soybean Sprouts 12oz bag (UPC: 815098001347)

Officials released an initial recall Monday which only included 10-pound bulk bags and 12-ounce retail bags of mung bean sprouts with the sell-by date of May 7. However, the recall has since expanded to include all mung bean sprouts and soybean sprouts.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, the FDA said. Healthy people who are infected may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, however, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The product has been distributed to retail stores and wholesalers throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, and New Jersey.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health suggests that if bean sprouts from Chang Farm were or are in your home:

• Dispose of products in a closed plastic bag placed in a sealed trash can to prevent people and animals from eating the products.
• Wash the inside walls and shelves of the refrigerator, cutting boards, and countertops; then sanitize these items with a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to one gallon of hot water.
• Dry these items with a clean cloth or clean paper towel.
• Wipe up spills in the refrigerator immediately and clean the refrigerator regularly.
• Always wash your hands with warm water and soap after cleaning and sanitizing.

No illnesses have been reported to date, but the FDA suggests that consumers contact their healthcare provider with any illness concerns.

Consumers with questions about the warning can contact Chang Farm at 413-522-0234 or 413-222-5519.