FDA Warns Consumers of Potential Health Risks Linked to Jack and the Green Sprouts Inc.
Jack and the Green Sprouts Inc., based in River Falls, Wisconsin, has recalled its 5-ounce packages of alfalfa sprouts due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall, announced on February 7, 2025, was made public by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the following day. While no illnesses have been reported, the FDA warns that consuming these sprouts could pose a serious health risk, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
The affected product, marked with lot number 687 and UPC number 763247198915, was sold in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa at grocery stores and local co-ops. The FDA has advised consumers who purchased these sprouts to discard them immediately. The recall was initiated after routine testing by the state of Minnesota detected potential listeria contamination, despite negative results from independent testing conducted by the company.
Listeria is a dangerous foodborne bacterium known to cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can result in severe health complications. Symptoms of listeriosis include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In healthy individuals, these symptoms may be short-term, but in high-risk groups, the infection can be life-threatening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 1,600 people contract listeriosis in the U.S. each year, resulting in around 260 deaths. Pregnant women face particular risks, as listeria infections can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.
Jack and the Green Sprouts Inc. has marketed its alfalfa sprouts as a nutritious alternative to lettuce, emphasizing their high enzyme content and digestive benefits. The company’s products are distributed throughout the Midwest in supermarkets, specialty markets, and wholesale outlets. While there are no known cases of illness associated with the recalled product at this time, the FDA urges consumers to err on the side of caution and dispose of any expired alfalfa sprouts carrying the recalled lot number.
The Health Risks of Listeria Contamination
Listeria monocytogenes is particularly dangerous due to its ability to survive in cold environments, including refrigerators. Unlike many other bacteria that die in cooler temperatures, listeria can continue to grow, making it especially hazardous in ready-to-eat foods like sprouts. Once consumed, listeria can invade the gastrointestinal tract and spread through the bloodstream, leading to severe illness or even death in some cases.
For most healthy adults, listeriosis may present with flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. However, for individuals with weakened immune systems—such as newborns, the elderly, or those undergoing cancer treatments—the infection can escalate into meningitis or septicemia. Pregnant women are at high risk, as the bacteria can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, leading to premature birth, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
The challenge with listeria-related outbreaks is that symptoms can take weeks to appear, making it difficult to trace an infection back to its source. Consumers who have eaten the recalled sprouts and develop any of these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Since listeria can persist in food processing facilities for extended periods, contamination often recurs unless strict sanitation measures are enforced.
Legal Options for Victims of Contaminated Food
Consumers who become ill after consuming contaminated alfalfa sprouts may have legal grounds to pursue compensation through a product liability lawsuit. Food manufacturers and distributors are responsible for ensuring that their products are safe for consumption. When a company fails to prevent contamination, it can be held legally accountable for the harm caused to consumers.
A product liability claim in this type of case would focus on the manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure its food products meet safety standards. If a consumer becomes sick due to a listeria-contaminated product, they may be able to file a lawsuit based on negligence, strict liability, or breach of warranty. Negligence claims would argue that the manufacturer failed to follow proper food safety protocols, while strict liability claims would focus on the fact that a contaminated product was sold to the public, regardless of intent.
Individuals who file foodborne illness lawsuits must provide medical records linking their illness to the contaminated product. This process often involves laboratory testing to confirm listeria infection and evidence of the recalled food purchase. In some cases, epidemiological investigations may trace an outbreak back to a specific manufacturer or distributor, strengthening the legal claim.
Why an Attorney Is Essential for a Product Liability Lawsuit
Pursuing a lawsuit against a food manufacturer can be complex, requiring legal experience in handling product liability and foodborne illness claims. An attorney will guide victims through the legal process, helping to gather the necessary medical evidence and expert testimony to establish the connection between the illness and the contaminated product. Food industry defendants often have substantial legal teams defending them, making it difficult for victims to secure fair compensation without strong legal representation.
An experienced attorney can also determine whether a class-action lawsuit may be appropriate, particularly if multiple consumers were affected by the recalled sprouts. Class-action cases can strengthen claims by consolidating evidence and demonstrating a widespread pattern of negligence. Whether pursuing an individual claim or joining a larger lawsuit, having legal counsel ensures victims receive fair compensation for their suffering and financial losses.
Damages Available in a Food Contamination Lawsuit
Victims of foodborne illnesses linked to listeria contamination may be entitled to several types of damages, depending on the severity of their illness and financial losses. Compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses: Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, diagnostic testing, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensates for time missed from work due to illness and recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Accounts for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In cases where listeriosis results in fatality, surviving family members may be eligible for compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
If you or a loved one suffered illness after consuming contaminated alfalfa sprouts, you may have the right to pursue financial compensation for your damages. The national product injury law firm Parker Waichman LLP is dedicated to holding food manufacturers accountable for their negligence.
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