Listeria risk leads to Greenbelt Microgreen recall

No illnesses have been reported, but a sampling program by Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) revealed that the Broccoli Microgreen contained the bacteria.

Greenbelt Greenhouse LTD of British Columbia, Canada is recalling all Greenbelt Microgreen products because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Specifically, the company is recalling its Greenbelt Microgreen products with best before dates from 4/24/18 and 4/30/18.

No illnesses have been reported to date, but Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others 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.

Greenbelt Microgreen products can be identified by the Greenbelt Microgreen label (which is purple & Green) on the lid of the plastic clamshells which is clear. The best before date can be found on the bottom left corner of the label above the UPC barcode.

The recall was the result of sampling program by Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) which revealed that the Broccoli Microgreen contained the bacteria. Due to the potential risk of contamination the company has ceased the production and distribution of all product as Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and WSDA.

If consumers are in possession of these products, they should dispose of or return them to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions may contact Greenbelt Greenhouse LTD at 1-519-647-1112 from Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm EST, or email info@greenbeltmicrogreens.ca.

This article was originally posted on www.foodsafetystrategies.com.

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Crystal Lindell has more than 10 years of journalism experience, and worked primarily at daily newspapers before joining BNP Media 2010. Before joining Food Engineering as the Managing Editor, she was the managing editor of a sister publication, Candy Industry Magazine, where she learned first-hand the joys of eating chocolate for breakfast. Lindell holds a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois – Springfield and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Illinois University.