Sprouts recalled over possible presence of Listeria

Southern Alps Sprouts and Foodstuffs Own Brands have issued a recall for batches of sprouts due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

NZ Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said 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".

"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."

Infection in healthy adults was unlikely to be severe, at most causing mild diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms within a few days of eating contaminated food. For those in the vulnerable groups, Arbuckle said, it usually took two to three weeks – or even longer – before symptoms appeared.

The affected products are sold at supermarkets nationwide and include:

Southern Alp Sprouts brand Alfalfa & Onion Sprouts (120g)

- Batch J197 with BEST BEFORE 21/04/2026

- Batch J197 with BEST BEFORE 23/04/2026

- Batch J199 with BEST BEFORE 23/04/2026

Pams brand Onion Sprouts Combo (120g)

- Batch J199 with BEST BEFORE 23/04/2026

"These products should not be eaten," Arbuckle said. "You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw it out."

NZ Food Safety said the products under recall were identified through routine testing and there had been no notifications of associated illness.

The products were removed from store shelves and had not been exported.

“As is our usual practice, NZ Food Safety will work with the supplier to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence," Arbuckle said.

Anyone who consumed the impacted sprouts and was concerned for their health was asked to contact their health professional or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.