A New Jersey food manufacturer has recalled various soybean sprouts and tofu products because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Manna Organics Inc. said the recalled products were distributed on or after July 17 to various restaurants, retailers, and distributors in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Texas.
The recalled products include:
• Jinga Firm and Soft, SooNyeoWon Firm and Soft Tofu items packaged in a square 16-ounce white plastic container with the label sealed on top with UPC Codes: 0 28346 09112 4, 0 28346 09111 7, 0 28346 07812 5 and 0 28346 07814 9. All carry an expiration date of September 9, 2012, or later is printed in black on top of the label.
• 5-piece and 10-piece tofu packages labeled Korean "Healthy Tofu" with UPC Codes: 0 28346 09125 4 and 0 28346 09129 2. Affected products have an expiration date of July 25, 2012, or later.
• Soy Milk packaged in a 1.3-gallon white plastic pail.
• Large Tofu Bucket (30 pieces), Soon tofu, and Small Tofu products, packaged in a large, white plastic pail enclosed in a plastic bag labeled TOFU with the company name, address, and nutritional information listed directly below. Affected products have an expiration date of July 25, 2012, or later.
• SooNyeoWon Silken Tofu packaged in a small 14-ounce square plastic container with the label sealed on top with UPC Codes of 0 28346 09113 1 and an expiration date of September 9, 2012 or later.
• “Soybean Sprouts” products in 16-ounce clear plastic sealed bags colored in red or green with the labels "Soonyeowon Soybeans Sprouts" or "Soonyeowon Healthy Soybean Sprouds" with UPC Codes 0 28346 07121 8 and 0 28346 07140 9. “Soybean Sprouts” 10-pound and five-pound bags come in a clear hand tied plastic poly bag labeled "Sprouts" with the company info directly beneath it.
Company officials noted healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea from listeria infection, but it can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
No illnesses have been reported to date. The potential for contamination was noted after random testing by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in a 16-ounce package of spouts.
Consumers who have purchased any of the items listed can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or call the company at 1-862-267-3400 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time), Monday through Friday.