Walmart Recalls Frozen Vegetable Products Due to Listeria Concerns
Walmart has issued a recall for several of its store-brand frozen vegetable products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall affects multiple frozen vegetable items under the Marketside brand, including stir fry mixes, riced cauliflower, and butternut squash.
Details of the Walmart Frozen Vegetable Recall
On January 24th, 2023, Walmart announced a voluntary recall of certain Marketside branded frozen vegetable products. The affected items were sold in Walmart stores nationwide and distribution centers in the United States. This recall has been issued due to concerns that these products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
The full list of recalled frozen vegetable items includes:
- Marketside Butternut Squash Cubed
- Marketside Premium Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry
- Marketside Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry
- Marketside Vegetable Fried Rice
- Marketside Cauliflower Gruyere Risotto
- Marketside Cauliflower & Broccoli in Cheese Sauce
- Marketside Cauliflower Parmesan Risotto
- Marketside Sweet Potato Fries
The affected products would have been purchased any time after May 26th, 2022 up until the recall notice on January 24th, 2023. All of the recalled frozen vegetables were sold in clear 16, 24, and 42 ounce plastic bags with best by dates ranging from May 2023 up to November 2023.
Health Risks and Symptoms of Listeria Contamination
Listeriosis is the infection caused by consuming food contaminated with the Listeria bacteria. Those at highest risk include pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems. However, even healthy individuals may experience short-term symptoms like high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea from Listeria exposure.
In pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor, and serious illness or death in newborns. That is why it is critical for pregnant women to avoid recalled items that may have been contaminated.
Safety Steps if You Purchased a Recalled Product
If you have purchased any of the recalled frozen vegetable items listed above, the FDA recommends immediately throwing away the product or returning it to your local Walmart for a refund. The products should not be consumed under any circumstances, even if cooked, due to the risks associated with Listeria bacteria exposure.
In addition, thoroughly clean any surfaces, containers, and utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled products using hot water and soap. This helps eliminate any residual Listeria contamination.
If you have consumed items on the recall list and are experiencing any symptoms of listeriosis (high fever, headache, nausea, etc), promptly contact your healthcare provider for assessment and possible treatment with antibiotics.
Details on Listeria Contamination Investigation
The potential Listeria contamination was first discovered as a result of routine sampling conducted by Fraser Health during an inspection of Fresh Express manufacturing facilities. This sampling found a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes in one of the production lines. No customers or consumer complaints relating to the products had yet been received.
Fresh Express immediately halted all production on the identified processing line and issued a recall notice out of an abundance of caution. The company is currently conducting an intensive cleaning and sanitizing protocol for the entire facility before resuming operations.
Ongoing Cooperation to Ensure Consumer Safety
Walmart and Fresh Express state they are working closely with regulatory agencies including the FDA and CDC to ensure a complete assessment. Their shared goals are to determine the potential sources of the Listeria contamination, take corrective actions, and prevent future public health risks.
In their recall notice, Walmart thanked customers for patience and understanding during this important food safety process. They also expressed that protecting customer health was their top priority in issuing this large-scale frozen vegetable recall.
Expansion of Recall to Other Frozen Fruit and Vegetable Brands
Since the original recall notice on January 24th, the concerns over potential Listeria contamination have expanded to other frozen vegetable processing plants and store brands. Costco, Whole Foods, Aldi, and Trader Joes have now issued similar recalls for items produced by Fresh Express as well as other suppliers.
For example, frozen mangos and pineapple chunks sold under Whole Foods store brand 365 label have now also been recalled due to possible Listeria risks. Meanwhile, Costcos popular Kirkland Signature Stir Fry Veggies are being pulled from shelves in several states.
As such, consumers should be vigilant about frozen vegetable recalls from any brand purchased recently. Check FDA notices frequently for newly identified products or processing facilities impacted by the contamination issues.
Preventing Listeria Contamination of Frozen Produce
Investigations into what may have caused the initial Listeria detection at Fresh Express are still ongoing. However, Listeria bacteria are very common in soil, water, and vegetation. Freezing alone does not reliably kill Listeria species.
As such, contamination could occur at several points along the supply chain:
- In the fields where vegetables are harvested
- During initial washing and processing lines
- In the frozen storage warehouses
- During transportation in freezer containers
Stringent Prevention Methods Needed
To guard against Listeria risks, frozen vegetable processors must adhere to strict food safety plans. This includes extensive disinfection protocols for all machinery, containers, and surfaces. Staff must also thoroughly wash raw vegetables to remove soil and debris.
In addition, routine Listeria testing should occur along the entire supply chain from agricultural areas to packing facilities. Finally, temperature monitoring helps ensure frozen storage conditions dont waver to unsafe levels allowing bacteria to multiply.
Outlook for Safety Improvements in Frozen Produce
Food microbiology experts hope this large-scale frozen vegetable recall leads to positive changes industry-wide. This could include increased funding for advanced pathogen testing technology and facility sanitization research.
In addition, clear guidelines and auditing around Good Agricultural Practices may help growers reduce risks of initial Listeria crop contamination. With improved standards, oversight, and technology frozen fruits and vegetables can remain safe and healthy options for families.
FAQs
What products are included in the Walmart frozen vegetable recall?
The recall includes all frozen vegetable products sold under Walmart's Marketside brand, such as riced cauliflower, stir fry mixes, butternut squash, cauliflower gruyere risotto, and more. See the full list in the recall notice.
Why are these frozen vegetables being recalled?
Routine testing discovered Listeria monocytogenes bacteria in a production facility that supplies Walmart's Marketside frozen vegetables. This bacteria can cause serious illness, which is why the recall has been issued.
What should I do if I purchased one of the recalled products?
You should immediately throw away any of the recalled frozen vegetable products or return them to Walmart for a refund. Also disinfect any surfaces the products touched. If you feel sick after eating the vegetables, seek medical care.
Does cooking the vegetables kill potential listeria bacteria?
No, the items are being recalled even if previously cooked. Cooking temperatures may not be high enough to kill listeria. Consuming the contaminated vegetables could still lead to illness.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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