Recent updates on Listeria food recalls highlight the critical nature of food safety, even with strict industry guidelines. The persistent threat of Listeria monocytogenes—bacteria known for its resilience—has prompted widespread recalls across popular brands and retailers. As it grows even in refrigeration, Listeria can impact products in our grocery carts and lead to severe health issues, especially for vulnerable individuals.
Notable Listeria Food Recalls in 2024
Food recalls in 2024 have been nothing short of alarming. While food manufacturers have increased safety standards, Listeria contamination has persisted, putting consumers’ health at risk. As it stands, millions of pounds of meat and poultry products from various brands have been recalled, underscoring the real danger of this bacteria.
Let’s examine some of the biggest recalls impacting well-known brands in 2024, along with their specific products and risks.
Costco Food Recalls
Costco has been no stranger to Listeria recalls in 2024. The retailer recently pulled several popular items from its shelves, urging customers to return or dispose of the affected products.
- Nutristore Freeze-Dried Deluxe Meat: Costco issued a recall for the 12-count Deluxe Meat Variety pack (#1638795) due to possible Listeria in the grilled chicken portion. Although other meats in the pack were deemed safe, the risk to consumers remains substantial.
- Krusteaz Belgian Waffles: Affected packages, with item number 54734, were recalled between Oct. 13 and Oct. 21. The recall came amid fears that contamination had reached products across major retailers.
- Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon: This recall involved smoked salmon sold in Florida from Oct. 9 to Oct. 13, flagged by lot #8512801270. The FDA identified traces of Listeria through routine testing, raising concerns about seafood safety standards.
Salmon Recall Sparks Warning to Costco Customers https://t.co/eFgHNkcDAk
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) October 28, 2024
Treehouse Foods Waffles and Pancakes Recall
TreeHouse Foods expanded its recall in 2024, citing potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination in its frozen waffles and pancake products. The recall involves products from 49 brands, including major retailers across the United States.
- Brands Impacted: Affected brands included 365 Organic, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and Wegmans, spreading concern among consumers who may not recognize TreeHouse Foods as the umbrella company.
- Recall Details: The contaminated products were all produced at TreeHouse Foods’ Brantford, Ontario facility. Consumers are urged to check their freezer items against lot codes that start with “2C.”
- Risk Level: Although no illnesses have been reported, consumers are advised to discard or return the items as a precaution, especially if vulnerable to Listeria.
With Listeria capable of lingering in factory environments, TreeHouse Foods has ramped up efforts to improve its production facility standards.
TreeHouse Foods announced that it has expanded its recall to include all waffle and pancake products due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall now includes frozen toaster waffle, Belgian waffle and pancake products. pic.twitter.com/u1mo8P2KLl
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 23, 2024
Boar’s Head Deli Meat Recall
A household favorite, Boar’s Head, recently expanded a large recall of deli meats due to Listeria. Boar’s Head has taken proactive steps to prevent further incidents, but this contamination has impacted consumers nationwide.
- Scope of Recall: The recall covers more than 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, produced between May 10 and July 29. Items were distributed through delis and retail locations across multiple states and internationally.
- Impacted Products: Under Boar’s Head and Old Country brands, affected products have “sell by” dates ranging from July 29 to October 17, 2024, and display establishment numbers EST. 12612 or P-12612 within the USDA inspection mark.
- Reported Cases: Thus far, the CDC reports 34 cases of illness in 13 states, with 33 hospitalizations and two deaths. Boar’s Head urges at-risk consumers to discard the products and sanitize their refrigerators to avoid cross-contamination.
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Chicken and Turkey Products Sold at TraderJoes and Aldis Recalled
The largest meat-related recall in 2024 involves BrucePac’s chicken and turkey products, affecting millions of consumers who regularly shop at Trader Joe’s, Aldi, and other major retailers.
- Retailers Involved: Major chains like Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Target, Costco, and others were impacted. Specific brands include Jenny Craig, Atkins, Signature Select, Boston Market, Michelina’s, and Red’s.
- Recall Overview: Approximately 12 million pounds of these products were recalled due to possible Listeria contamination. They range from salads to ready-to-eat bowls, posing a risk to anyone who has stored these items in their freezer.
With such an extensive product list, BrucePac urges consumers to check lot codes and “best by” dates, discarding any suspect products.
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What is listeria and why is it dangerous?
Listeria monocytogenes is a dangerous bacterium that thrives in cold, moist conditions, making it especially resilient in refrigerated foods. Its ability to survive where other bacteria cannot is what makes it a unique and formidable threat.
- Transmission: Listeria often spreads through contaminated foods during production, storage, or handling. Even pets can inadvertently carry the bacteria into the household.
- Symptoms and Risks: Symptoms can range from mild, flu-like issues to severe, life-threatening neurological problems. Vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals, face particularly high risks. Symptoms may not appear until a few days or even weeks after exposure.
- Common Food Sources: Listeria can be found in unpasteurized dairy, deli meats, smoked fish, and prepared salads. Consumers are advised to set their refrigerators below 40°F, sanitize surfaces, and avoid high-risk foods if they belong to a vulnerable group.
Florida Product Liability Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been affected by a Listeria infection due to a recalled product, you do not have to face it alone. The medical malpractice lawyers at Panter, Panter & Sampedro are here to help you hold negligent manufacturers accountable. Through a product liability claim, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to your illness.
We understand the unique challenges of Listeria-related cases and work tirelessly to pursue justice on behalf of our clients. For those affected, Panter, Panter & Sampedro is available to provide guidance and representation. Reach out to ensure your rights are protected, and justice is served. Learn more here.
Sources:
https://www.aol.com/costco-issues-urgent-recalls-3-170000359.html
https://www.newsweek.com/waffle-recall-expansion-fda-listeria-contamination-bacteria-1974910
https://www.today.com/health/recall/chicken-recall-list-listeria-brucepac-rcna175276
https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/listeria-listeriosis
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/listeria-questions-and-answers
