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Massive Frozen Food Recall In Effect Due To Possible Listeria Contamination Of Millions Of Products

By Christian Savoy
Published on: 10:09 PST, May 22, 2016

Officials are blaming the current frozen food recall on a possible listeria contamination involving millions of packages of fruits and vegetables, the Associated Press reports. The potentially affected products were reportedly distributed to all 50 U.S. states, as well as Canada and Mexico. Officials are especially concerned because they fear many people will not do a thorough check for the products listed in the recall, which began in 2014.

According to the report, eight people have been affected by the strain of listeria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said two of those people have died, although the listeria infection was not identified as the cause of death.

The initial recall issued on April 22 included 11 items of frozen vegetables, but the expanded recall covers over 400 consumer goods sold under 42 separate brands, including Trader Joe’s, Costco, Emerald Farms, and Safeway. It is said to be one of the largest food recalls in years.

“Unquestionably, this is a lot of product…. It reflects the severity of listeria as an illness, the long duration of illnesses and the outbreak and the long shelf life of the products,” Matthew Wise, who leads the outbreak response team at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a statement.

The CDC says eight people in three states became ill and were hospitalized due to listeria and some of these diseases were related to the consumption of CRF, according to the company’s announcement. This information was subsequently updated.

“The idea is that it’s possible that it could be linked to this plant as far back as that because of the match. As a result the company, working with the FDA, decided to do the recall that far back,” CRF spokesman Gene Grabowski explained.

The CDC announced Tuesday that six of the cases originated in California, and that the two people infected with listeria were killed in Maryland and Washington state.

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Listeria infection can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths.

All CRF products affected by the recall have expiration dates between April 26, 2016, and April 26, 2018. Products include broccoli, zucchini, carrots, blueberries, peaches, raspberries, and organic and non-organic strawberries. Recalled products could have been bought in the 50 U.S. states as well as the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. CRF suspended operations at its facility in Pasco on April 25, 2016, after the initial voluntary recall. The company also said it has contacted all retailers who received the products.

The CRF plant closed earlier this month and reportedly the company is still trying to determine the source of the contamination.

“The idea is that it’s possible that it could be linked to this plant as far back as that because of the match. As a result the company, working with the FDA, decided to do the recall that far back,” CRF spokesman Gene Grabowski said.

People who bought the affected CRF Frozen Foods products are being advised to dispose of them. They could also return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund request. Those with concerns can call the consumer hotline at 844-483-3866, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET.

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