Chang Farm (Again & Again) Recalls Sprouts Because Of Listeria Contamination

Sample testing by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed contamination of Soy Bean Sprouts with Listeria monocytogenes (L. Monocytogenes) at Chang Farm on River Road in Whatley, MA.

The positive test results have led to a recall the product  packaged in 10 lb bags (bulk) and 12 oz plastic bags (retail), labeled under the Chang Farm Brand as Soy Sprouts and have a “Sell By” date of July 17, 2009.

No illnesses have yet been associated with the recall. 

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

The tainted Soy Sprouts have been distributed to retail stores and wholesalers throughout MA, CT, NY and NJ.

The Chang Farm recall notice can be found at the  FDA. We reported in May on Chang Farm being a repeat offender when it comes to listeria contamination. 

Listeria Found (Again) In Chang Farms Bean & Soy Sprouts

For the second year in a row, Chang Farms of Whatley, MA is recalling bean and soy sprouts because of the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. Monocytogenes) contamination.

Testing at a retail store in New York was positive for Listeria.

The affected product is packaged in 10 lb bags (bulk) and 12 oz plastic bags (retail), labeled under the Chang Farm Brand as Soy Sprouts and have a “Sell By” date of May 23, 2009 or May 24, 2009 and Bean Sprouts with “Use By” date of May 23, 2009 or May 24, 2009.

The product has been distributed to retail stores and restaurants throughout MA, CT, NY and NJ.

Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

In April, 2008, The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is issued a warning to the public not to consume any soy sprouts produced from Chang Farms in Whatley, Mass. because Listeria was discovered in the product.  We covered that recall here.  The FDA's website carries the Chang Farms recall press release here.

Sprouts recalled for potential Listeria contamination

The Minnesota Department of Health's routine inspection at Calco Sprouts resulted in a recall after Listeria monocytogenes was discovered in a sample collected during the inspection.  According to a story at wcco.com, the recall includes radish, alfalfa, and bean sprouts distributed to retail stores and restaurants in Minnesota.