HENRY’S FARM INC. RECALLS SOYBEAN SPROUTS DUE TO POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today that Henry’s Farm Inc. of Woodford, VA is recalling all packages of Soybean Sprouts because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, 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.

The following products are being recalled by the firm.

1. All clear plastic packages containing 1.5 lbs. Grown in Natural Spring Water Soybean Sprouts. The packages were not coded.

2. All bulk (approximately 10 lbs.) plastic bags of Soybean Sprouts. The packages were neither coded nor labeled.

These items were distributed to retail stores in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C.

The contamination was discovered after sampling by VDACS Food Safety and Security Program. Subsequent analysis by the Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the products. No illness has been reported to date.

A package of the recalled soy bean sprouts.

Individuals who purchased Soybean Sprouts distributed by Henry’s Farm should return the product to the place of sale for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact either the company directly at 301.802.2996 or the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Food Safety and Security Program. at 804.786.3520.

– Elaine Lidholm

Director of Communications,  VDACS