Listeria recall affects many frozen vegetable products
Print
EmailCheck frozen vegetable and fruit products at home to avoid possible listeria bacteria.
Three hundred fifty-eight different frozen vegetables and fruits were recalled April due to possible listeria contamination. These products were sold under 42 different brands across the United States and Canada.
So what is listeria and why should anyone be concerned about it? Listeria is a bacteria which can cause Listeriosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Listeriosis can cause the following symptoms: fever and muscle aches and diarrhea or other GI symptoms. Other symptoms include stiff neck, headache and even confusion, convulsions and loss of balance.
Listeriosis can be especially dangerous for pregnant women because it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. The illness can also be severe for adults older than 65 and people with weakened immune systems. Usually, symptoms start after several days from the time of eating contaminated food but can also develop up to two months after eating the bacteria.
To find out if you have any of the suspected products at home, visit the FDA website for a complete list of all frozen vegetables and fruit included in the recall. Look for the brands and then check for the Best By dates which include Apr. 26, 2016 through Apr. 26, 2018.
If you have the suspected product, do not eat the vegetables or fruit. The product can be returned to the store for a refund or discarded. To discard the product, throw it away sealed in a plastic bag in a sealed trash can so humans or animals do not consume the product.
Michigan State University Extension recommends the freezer where contaminated products were stored be completely washed with soap and hot water. Wash hands when you have completed the clean-up.
