Nearly 20 types of vegetables, including cucumbers, bell peppers, green beans, and parsley, have been recalled from grocery stores across the country because of a potential listeria outbreak. Ohio-based Weirs Farm Inc. has initiated a recall of its produce, which has been sold at major retailers such as Walmart, Kroger, and Aldi in over a dozen states. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall in a press release earlier this week.
Expansion of Previous Recall And The Health Risks of Listeria
This recall is an extension of a previous recall announced on July 12, which initially focused on cucumbers potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Weirs Farm Inc. decided to expand the recall to include more produce “out of an abundance of caution,” according to the company.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause a severe infection called listeriosis. As of now, there have been no reports of illnesses or complaints related to this recall, according to the FDA. However, the announcement comes amid an unrelated listeria outbreak linked to deli meats, which has resulted in 34 illnesses and two fatalities.
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List of Recalled Vegetables
The recalled products include:
- Packaged poblano
- Cubanelle
- Green beans
- Cucumbers
- Jalapeños
- Bell peppers
- Yellow squash
- Zucchini
Additionally, the following vegetables and herbs sold by the pound have been recalled:
- Anaheim peppers
- Cilantro
- Habanero peppers
- Hungarian wax peppers
- Mustard greens
- Parsley
- Serrano peppers
- Tomatillos
These items were packed between July 5 and July 12, according to the FDA.
Kroger’s Specific Recall
Kroger has also issued a recall for stores in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio as of July 26, due to potential listeria contamination at Weirs Farm Inc. The recalled Kroger items include:
- Pico and guac combo
- Butternut squash cubes
- Chopped cilantro
- Chopped cilantro with white onions
- Diced jalapeno
- Diced pepper tri-blend
- Diced pepper with white onions
- Fajita mix hot
- Grilling vegetables
- Guacamole chunky medium
- Guacamole chunky mild
- Pico de gallo classic hot
- Pico de gallo classic medium
- Pico de gallo classic mild
- Salsa medium
- Salsa mild
- Snacking peppers
- Vegetable bowl
- Vegetable kabob
The recalled packaged and bulk produce was distributed to stores in the following states:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
A comprehensive list of recalled items and affected stores in each state is available for consumers to review.
Understanding Listeria
Listeria infection can be severe and is more likely to affect pregnant individuals and their newborns, people over 65, and those with weakened immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Approximately 1,600 people in the U.S. contract listeriosis annually, with about 260 fatalities, making listeria the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses like this listeria outbreak.
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Symptoms of Listeriosis
Symptoms vary depending on the individual’s health and the severity of the infection. In healthy children and non-pregnant people, listeria can cause mild intestinal illness, which rarely becomes serious. However, in pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems, listeriosis can cause invasive illness, where the bacteria spread beyond the gut.
Intestinal illness symptoms
These usually begin within 24 hours of consuming contaminated food and last one to three days, including:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Invasive listeriosis symptoms
These generally appear two weeks after exposure. Pregnant individuals may experience flu-like symptoms such as fatigue and muscle aches. Consumers who have consumed contaminated produce and exhibit any symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
- Fever
- Muscle aches and fatigue
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
Retailer Responses
Aldi has advised customers to discard or return recalled products for a full refund. A Walmart spokesperson informed NBC News that recalled products have been removed from stores, and the company is “working with the supplier to investigate the cause.”
Weirs Farm Inc. Statement
“Weirs Farm Inc. is committed to implementing all measures necessary to fully resolve this situation,” the FDA reported in a statement from the company. Encouraging the public to just follow cautions while the listeria outbreak is being managed.
Preventing Listeria
The FDA recommends basic food safety precautions to reduce the risk of listeria:
- Wash all fresh produce.
- Refrigerate food at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
- Cook and reheat food to a safe internal temperature.
- Store leftovers within two hours.
- Consume pre-made, ready-to-eat foods promptly or before the sell-by date.
- Keep refrigerator shelves clean.
Certain foods are more likely to be contaminated with listeria
These include lunch meats (unless heated), soft cheeses, unpasteurized or raw dairy, refrigerated pâtés, refrigerated smoked seafood, and sprouts, according to the CDC. Pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems should avoid these high-risk foods and consult their healthcare provider with any concerns.
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