New Zealand Food Safety is supporting Southern Alp Sprouts and Foodstuffs Own Brands (Pams) in their recall of sprout products due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
“The concern with these products is that they may contain Listeria, a foodborne bacterium that can make you sick,” says New Zealand Food Safety Deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.
“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.”
This product should not be eaten. It can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund. Should you be unable to do this, throw it out.
Infection in healthy adults is 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, it usually takes 2 to 3 weeks – or even longer – before symptoms appear.
“These products should not be eaten. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw it out.”
The affected products are sold at supermarkets nationwide and include:
Southern Alp Sprouts brand Alfalfa & Onion Sprouts (120 g)
- Batch J197 with a best-before date of 21/04/2026.
- Batch J197 with a best-before date of 23/04/2026.
- Batch J199 with a best-before date of 23/04/2026.
Pams brand Onion Sprouts Combo (120 g)
- Batch J199 with a best-before date of 23/04/2026.
Visit New Zealand Food Safety’s recall page for up-to-date information and photographs of the affected product.
Southern Alp Sprouts brand Alfalfa & Onion Sprouts and Pams brand Onion Sprouts Combo
If you have consumed any of these products and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline for free advice on 0800 611 116
New Zealand Food Safety has not received any notifications of associated illness.
The products have been removed from store shelves and have not been exported.
The products under recall were identified through routine testing, and there have been no reports of associated illness.
“As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will work with the supplier to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence,” says Mr Arbuckle.
The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur. Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts. Information on how to subscribe is on the New Zealand Food Safety food recall page
Download science-backed tips on preparing, cooking and storing food safely at home [PDF, 1.1 MB]
