2014 Outbreak of Listeria Infections Linked to Wholesome Soy Products, Inc. Sprouts – Advice

The Wholesome Soy Products, Inc. products below are likely no longer available for purchase but some products may still be in people’s homes.

• Consumers should not eat any products produced by Wholesome Soy Products Inc. These products include:
  • Mung bean sprouts
  • Soy bean sprouts
  • Soft tofu
  • Firm tofu
  • Fried tofu pouches
  • Triangular tofu
  • Fried tofu
  • White tofu
  • Soybean noodles
  • Soy milk
• If you think you might have become ill with signs and symptoms of listeriosis after eating products produced by Wholesome Soy Products, Inc., consult your health care provider.
• If any products from Wholesome Soy Products, Inc. are or were in your home:
  • Dispose of products in a closed plastic bag placed in a sealed trash can to prevent people and animals from eating the products.
  • Wash the inside walls and shelves of the refrigerator, cutting boards, and countertops; then sanitize these items with a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to one gallon of hot water.
  • Dry these items with a clean cloth or clean paper towel.
  • Wipe up spills in the refrigerator immediately, and clean the refrigerator regularly.
  • Always wash your hands with warm water and soap after cleaning and sanitizing.
• Always follow food safety practices to avoid illness from contaminated sprouts.
  • Be aware that sprouts are a known source of foodborne illness.
  • Make sure that children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems avoid eating raw sprouts of any kind (including alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean sprouts).
  • Cook sprouts thoroughly to reduce the risk of illness. Cooking sprouts thoroughly kills harmful bacteria.
  • If you think you might have become ill from eating contaminated sprouts, consult your health care provider.

Advice to Restaurants and Retailers

The Wholesome Soy Products, Inc. products below are likely no longer available for purchase but some products may still be on shelves.

• Do not sell or serve any products produced by Wholesome Soy Products Inc. These products include:
  • Mung bean sprouts
  • Soy bean sprouts
  • Soft tofu
  • Firm tofu
  • Fried tofu pouches
  • Triangular tofu
  • Fried tofu
  • White tofu
  • Soybean noodles
  • Soy milk
• If any products from Wholesome Soy Products, Inc. are or were in your restaurant or retail establishment:
  • Dispose of products in a closed plastic bag placed in a sealed trash can to prevent people and animals from eating the products.
  • Wash the inside walls and shelves of the refrigerator, cutting boards, and countertops; then sanitize them with a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to one gallon of hot water.
  • Dry these items with a clean cloth or clean paper towel.
  • Wipe up spills in the refrigerator immediately and clean the refrigerator regularly.
  • Always wash your hands with warm water and soap after cleaning and sanitizing.
• Purchase sprouts from sprouters that follow the FDA Guidance for Reducing Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Sprouted Seeds.
• Always follow food safety practices to avoid illness from contaminated sprouts.
  • Be aware that sprouts are a known source of foodborne illness.
  • Make sure that children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems avoid eating raw sprouts of any kind (including alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean sprouts).
  • Cook sprouts thoroughly to reduce the risk of illness. Cooking sprouts thoroughly kills harmful bacteria.

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