A Washington state-based sprout grower expanded its recall of products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes Friday to include all sprouted seeds sold by the firm. Sprouters Northwest of Kent, WA issued an initial recall Monday after samples of product tested positive for Listeria. That recall included broccoli, clover and spicy sprouts with a best-by date of 1/26/13 and alfalfa sprouts with a best-by date of 1/31/13. Now, the company is expanding its voluntary recall to include all of the company’s products, including its 3-Bean Munchies, Brocco Sandwich Sprouts, Alfalfa Sprouts, Bean Sprouts, Broccoli Sprouts, Clover Sprouts, Deli Sprouts, Spicy Sprouts, and its Wheatgrass and Pea Shoots. The products were distributed to retailers and distributors in Washington, Oregon, Alaska and British Columbia, Canada through January 30, 2012. The sprouted seeds were sold under the Sprouters Northwest and LifeForce brands in plastic clamshell containers, plastic cups and plastic trays that come in 3 oz., 4 oz. and 5 oz. sizes, and in plastic bags of 1 lb. 2lb or 5lb. Best-by dates are marked on packaging and include all dates through 2/17/2013. The problem was discovered by the Washington State Department of Agriculture through testing conducted on finished products at retail locations and at the firm’s production facility. Sprouters Northwest is working with WSDA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on the voluntary recall. Consumers should discard the recalled product or return it to its point of purchase for a full refund.
