Ramar Foods, a Filipino food company based in Pittsburg, California, is recalling their Mint Chocolate Chip Hidden Spinach Ice Cream product due to concerns of Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The effected Peekabo branded product comes in 14 ounce packages with “Best Before Date” of 10/08/2021 and UPC code 8685400001. The Mint Chocolate Chip Hidden Spinach Ice Cream product is sold in various Target stores and was available for purchase in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. No cases of Listeria due to the recalled product have been reported, though 33 containers were purchased before the contaminated product was pulled from shelves. Traces of Listeria monocytogenes were found in the ice cream product by Ramar Foods during routine testing. The FDA is currently investigating the Listeria contamination and production of the Mint Chocolate Chip Hidden Spinach Ice Cream product are currently stalled. Customers who have purchased the product are urged to not consume the ice cream product with “Best Before Date” of 10/08/2021.
Those who have purchased the effected product for information or for a full refund can contact Ramar Foods by calling 844-491-7869 during business hours of M-F 8-5pm EST or by emailing [email protected].
The bacteria Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, a foodborne illness infection that is particularly dangerous for pregnant women. Listeriosis infections in pregnant women often result in the loss of the fetus or a severe infection in the fetus. Symptoms of listeriosis in pregnant women typically include flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches, headache, and a fever. Listeriosis is also dangerous for those immunocompromised, such as the elderly, children, and those with weakened immune systems, and a formal diagnosis and antibiotic treatment may be necessary.
Listeriosis typically presents in those not pregnant as typical food poisoning symptoms: diarrhea, fever, and muscle aches. Typically these symptoms resolve themselves with time; however, Listeriosis can be severe if the infection spreads to the nervous system. Symptoms of a nervous symptom infection include loss of balance, seizures, confusion, headaches, and a stiff neck. Listeriosis symptoms typically begin 1-4 weeks after contamination, though cases have presented symptoms as early as one day and as late as 70 days after contamination. If you believe you are suffering from listeriosis, contact your physician immediately, especially if you are in a high risk group.
