Source:  NCDA&CS, 7/15/09

Solar Farms Inc. of West Columbia, S.C., is voluntarily recalling Solar Farms Alfalfa Sprouts after tests by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in product samples, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced today.

The recalled alfalfa sprouts are sold in 4-ounce containers with the code “Sell By:072209.” These alfalfa sprouts were sold at Food Lion stores and distributed to N.C. food service establishments through Sysco of Charlotte. The recalled product was distributed in North Carolina and South Carolina.

“Consumers who have this product should throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund,” Troxler said. “Listeria is particularly dangerous to persons with weakened immune systems and pregnant women.”

The NCDA&CS Food and Drug Protection Division found the bacteria through routine product sampling. No illnesses associated with this product have been reported.

The company is cooperating with state and federal authorities to determine the cause of the problem.