A food recall has been issued in New Zealand for selected sprout products from Southern Alp Sprouts Limited and Foodstuffs Own Brands Limited due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Although no illnesses have been reported so far, the recall has been initiated as a precautionary measure to protect public health.
The affected products include Southern Alp Sprouts Alfalfa & Onion Sprouts and Pams Onion Sprouts Combo, both sold in 120 g plastic punnets. Sprouts are considered high-risk foods due to their moist growing conditions, which can support the growth of harmful pathogens like Listeria if contamination occurs during production.
The recalled batches are:
These products were widely distributed across New Zealand. The Southern Alp Sprouts product was available at supermarkets and retailers nationwide, while the Pams Onion Sprouts Combo was sold at Four Square, New World, and Pak’n Save stores in the South Island. The products have not been exported, limiting the recall to the domestic market.
Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and in severe cases, complications such as meningitis or miscarriage.
Retailers who sold these products have been instructed to display recall notices at the point of sale for one month to inform customers effectively.
This recall underscores the ongoing food safety challenges associated with fresh produce like sprouts and highlights the need for stringent hygiene controls, seed decontamination, and monitoring systems throughout the production process to minimize microbial risks.