New Zealand Food Safety is supporting Southern Alps Sprouts and Foodstuffs Own Brands in their recall of sprout products due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
According to New Zealand Food Safety Deputy Director-General Vincent Arbuckle, the concern with these products is that they may contain Listeria, a foodborne bacterium that can cause illness.
“Listeriosis infection can be serious among vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems," he said.
“Listeria differs to other harmful bacteria in that it can grow at refrigerator temperatures, so you have to be very careful about the foods you eat, or provide to others, if you or they are in a vulnerable group. It is particularly dangerous during pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage, premature labour or stillbirth, and infection in newborns.”
This product should not be eaten. It can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund. Should you be unable to do this, throw it out.
Infection in healthy adults is unlikely to be severe, at most causing mild diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms within a few days of eating contaminated food. For those in vulnerable groups, it usually takes two to three weeks, or even longer, for symptoms to appear.
“These products should not be eaten. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw it out.”
Southern Alp Sprouts brand Alfalfa & Onion Sprouts (120 g) were sold at supermarkets and retailers throughout New Zealand.
Pams brand Onion Sprouts Combo (120 g) were sold at Four Square, New World, and Pak'n Save supermarkets in the South Island. The products have not been exported.
Southern Alp Sprouts brand Alfalfa & Onion Sprouts (120 g)
Southern Alp Sprouts brand Alfalfa & Onion Sprouts (120 g)
- Batch J197 with a best-before date of 21/04/2026.
- Batch J197 with a best-before date of 23/04/2026.
- Batch J199 with a best-before date of 23/04/2026.
Pams brand Onion Sprouts Combo (120 g)
- Batch J199 with a best-before date of 23/04/2026.
Pams brand Onion Sprouts Combo (120 g)
If you have consumed any of these products and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional or call Healthline. New Zealand Food Safety has not received any notifications of illness associated with the product.
The products have been removed from store shelves and have not been exported. The products under recall were identified through routine testing, and there have been no reports of associated illness.
The products were sold in a 120 g plastic punnet. This recall does not affect any other Southern Alp Sprouts or Pams brand products.
“As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will work with the supplier to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence."
More local FMCG news here
