- Recall Announcement Date: February 7, 2025
- FDA Publish Date: February 8, 2025
- Company Name: Jack and the Green Sprouts, Inc.
- Product: Alfalfa Sprouts (5oz packages, Lot #687)
- Reason for Recall: Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
- Where Sold: Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa grocery stores and co-ops
- Action: Discard any remaining product immediately
Wanna know more about what happened? Keep reading!
What happened?
On February 7, 2025, Jack and the Green Sprouts, Inc. of River Falls, WI, issued a recall for 5oz packages of their Alfalfa Sprouts, which expired on January 29, 2025. The potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes was discovered during routine testing by the State of Minnesota.
Affected products:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue | Lot Number |
Jack & the Green Sprouts | Alfalfa Sprouts | 5 oz | 763247198915 | January 29, 2025 | Possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination | #687 |
Although Jack and the Green Sprouts conducted independent testing, which showed negative results for Listeria, the state’s test revealed contamination. The affected products were distributed in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa through local grocery stores and co-ops.
What caused the issue?
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection primarily affecting certain at-risk groups. While healthy individuals might experience mild symptoms like fever and gastrointestinal issues, Listeria can have severe, sometimes fatal, consequences for vulnerable populations.
Who’s at Risk?
Certain groups are more susceptible to serious complications from Listeria:
- Pregnant women – Risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious infections in newborns
- Infants and young children
- Elderly individuals
- People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, people with HIV/AIDS, or organ transplant recipients
Symptoms can appear 1 to 4 weeks after exposure and may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain and diarrhea
- Severe headache and stiff neck
In more serious cases, Listeria can lead to sepsis (blood infection), meningitis (brain infection), or complications during pregnancy. If symptoms appear after eating potentially contaminated food, seek medical attention right away.
1. How do I know if my alfalfa sprouts are part of the recall?
Check the package for Lot #687 and UPC 763247198915. If your package matches these details, discard it immediately.
2. What should I do if I’ve already eaten the recalled product?
Monitor yourself for symptoms of listeriosis for the next few weeks. If you experience fever, headache, or digestive issues, consult a healthcare professional.
3. Can I wash or cook the sprouts to make them safe?
No. Listeria can survive refrigeration and may even grow at low temperatures. Washing or cooking the product will not eliminate the risk.
4. How was the contamination discovered?
The contamination was found during routine testing by the State of Minnesota. Jack and the Green Sprouts’ internal testing had previously shown negative results, but state testing detected Listeria monocytogenes.
5. Are there any reported illnesses?
No illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall so far.
6. What stores sold the recalled alfalfa sprouts?
The affected sprouts were sold in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa at grocery stores and local co-ops.
7. What are the potential health risks of eating Listeria-contaminated food?
Healthy individuals may experience mild symptoms. However, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems can suffer severe complications, including meningitis and pregnancy loss.
8. How do I contact Jack and the Green Sprouts for more information?
Consumers can contact the company at 715-425-9495, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
9. Is this the first recall for Jack and the Green Sprouts?
No. While they have a strong track record of safety, recalls happen in the sprout industry due to the high risk of contamination in warm, humid growing environments.
10. How can I stay informed about future recalls?
Follow the FDA’s Recall Page for updates, and check product labels regularly to ensure your food is safe to consume.
Here’s what you should do
If you have this product in your fridge, here’s how to check and what to do:
- Look for Lot #687 on the top of the 5oz clear plastic package.
- Check the UPC: 763247198915.
- Discard the product immediately, even if it looks and smells fine.
- Contact the company at 715-425-9495 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM) with any questions.
Behind the brand
Jack and the Green Sprouts, Inc. has been a trusted supplier of fresh sprouts for years. While this recall is rare, it’s not the first time Listeria concerns have affected the sprout industry. Due to their warm, humid growing conditions, sprouts are particularly vulnerable to contamination.
This isn’t the company’s first recall, either. On October 4, 2024, they recalled onion and alfalfa sprouts due to potential Listeria contamination. It’s also not the only recent Listeria-related recall. Just last week, Willow Farm recalled its raw milk for the same reason.
“Food safety isn’t optional—it’s a responsibility every producer must uphold. High-risk products like sprouts and raw milk require extra vigilance, as Listeria can have serious health consequences,” said food industry expert Eran Dold. “By implementing strict safety standards and maintaining transparency, companies can not only protect consumers but also strengthen their reputation in an increasingly cautious market.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’s CEO.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall is a reminder of the importance of stringent food safety practices. Listeria contamination can have serious consequences, which is why companies must prioritize regular testing and quality control. For food producers, partnering with reliable suppliers and maintaining high safety standards is critical to avoid these issues.
If you’re holding onto this recalled product, toss it out. Remember, trust matters when sourcing ingredients.
Looking for safe, high-quality ingredients? Contact Source86 for insights and explore our selection of wholesale options!
