New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers that Essex Farm Inc. (dba Best Farm), located at 120 Essex St. #32 & 33, in New York, New York, is recalling all packages of “Soybean Sprouts” due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
The recalled “Soybean Sprouts” were purchased in bulk and repacked at the retail store level. They are marketed on random weight Styrofoam trays overwrapped with clear plastic, which is not coded. The product was sold only at this retail location in New York City.
Listeria contaminated product could cause Listeriosis, a disease that usually causes mild flu-like symptoms in healthy individuals; however in immune-compromised individuals, meningitis and blood poisoning can occur. Pregnant women are also considered a high-risk group, as Listeriosis can also result in stillbirths.
Routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ food inspectors and subsequent analysis of the sprouts by New York State Food Laboratory personnel revealed the product was contaminated with Listeria.
Consumers who have purchased packages of “Soybean Sprouts” from Essex Farm Inc. (dba Best Farm) are urged to return them to the place of purchase or discard the product.