TreeHouse Foods, Inc., based in Oak Brook, Illinois, has announced a voluntary recall of specific frozen waffle products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria). Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Background
Routine testing at the production facility uncovered the potential presence of Listeria in the affected products.
Distribution
The impacted products were distributed and sold throughout the United States and Canada.
Product Details
Affected brands include: Always Save, Best Choice, BetterGoods, Breakfast Best, Clover Valley, Essentials, Food Lion, FoodHold, Giant Eagle, Good & Gather, Great Value, Hannaford, Harris Teeter, H-E-B Higher Harvest, Kodiak Cakes, Price Chopper, Publix, Schnucks, SE Grocers, Simple Truth, Tops, Western Family, Selection, Compliments, and various “no name” waffle products.
Please see the 14 page list of all recalled products here.
Consumer Action
As with all food recalls, consumers are strongly advised to discontinue use of the affected products even if they look or smell safe to eat.
Anyone in possession of the recalled products are requested to not sell, serve, or distribute them.
The affected products should be returned to the location of purchase for a refund, or credit, or disposed of immediately.
Consumers should thoroughly sanitize any surface or utensils that have come into contact with the recalled products.
Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact the company by phone at 800-596-2903.
Health Risks
There have not been any reported cases of illness in connection to the consumption of the recalled products.
Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous for certain vulnerable populations. Pregnant individuals, people aged 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, sometimes preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant individuals, listeriosis can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of Listeriosis should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
In recent weeks there have been multiple recalls of products across the United States and Canada due to Listeria contamination, including:
- Kroger recalls products linked to massive BrucePac Listeria recall
- Recall of Wagener’s Ham in Jelly in Canada
- Albertsons Companies recalls select products
Commenting on this article, one national Listeria lawyer said, “Even though there have been a number of Listeria-related recalls in recent months consumers should not be overly concerned. With all the recalls there have been very few outbreaks of Listeria infection as timely recall announcements are spreading the word quickly. Consumers should still follow all recall directions, however, to minimize the risk of illness.”
