Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has issued a health alert over a whole foods item sold at specialist stores after it was linked to illness-causing bacteria. The recall affects Rapunzel bioSnacky Das Original Red Clover - Seeds for Sprouts and Seedlings, produced by A. Vogel Ltd, after Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) was discovered in the product.
Recall details and affected batches
The recall covers 30g bags with the best before date December 2028 and batch code 11293. A. Vogel Ltd has confirmed that no other bioSnacky products are affected. The seeds, described as having a "mild flavour," were sold at many specialist and online stores and have been withdrawn following the health concern.
Symptoms and advice for consumers
Symptoms of E. coli include severe diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea) and abdominal pain. In some cases, it can lead to haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can cause kidney failure and be fatal. Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to stay away from work, school, or nursery until symptoms have stopped for at least 48 hours to avoid spreading the infection.
The FSS has urged anyone who bought the affected packets not to grow or consume the sprouts or seedlings, and to return them to the store for a full refund. The recall also affects England and Wales, where the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a separate notice.
Company response
A. Vogel Ltd will issue point of sale notices to all stores and on its website explaining the recall. The notice states: "During a follow-up inspection, the presence of E. coli bacteria of the STEC/HECA type was detected in Rapunzel bioSnacky Red Clover. We are therefore recalling the product... from the market. If you have any bioSnacky Red Clover with the above-mentioned batch number at home, please return it to your local specialist shop or dispose of it. Any sprouts grown from it should also be disposed of. You will of course be refunded with the purchase price!"
The company apologised for the incident, adding: "We are very sorry for this incident and sincerely apologise. Please be assured that we are doing everything we possibly can to resolve this matter."
This recall follows a separate notice for three pasta salads sold at Morrisons and Asda, issued by supplier Greencore due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination, which can cause flu-like symptoms including high temperatures, muscle aches, chills, and diarrhoea.
