Two food products have recently been recalled due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the pathogen that can cause serious and even possibly deadly infection in sickly and elderly people, individuals with weakened immune system, and young children.
Simple Truth Dry Roasted Macadamia Nuts
Kroger has recalled Simple Truth Dry Roasted Macadamia Nuts in 12-ounce bags over fears for possible listeria contamination. The company said that a supplier reported that the nuts provided to them may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Affected products are in clear plastic package with expiration date of May 2, 2018 marked on the side. The UPC is 11110-02478.
The company already removed the affected macadamia nuts from store shelves and alerted customers through its customer recall notification system. No illness has so far been reported.
The macadamia nuts were sold in six states namely Kentucky, Kansas, Ohio, Nebraska, Missouri, and Indiana. Bakers, Gerbes, Kroger, and Dillons stores sell the Simple Truth line.
Those who have bought the affected products are urged to throw them away or return them to the store to get a refund or replacement.
Ava's Brand Organic Cashews Roasted & Salted
Concerns over possible listeria contamination also prompted Hampton Farms to voluntarily recall Ava's brand Organic Cashews Roasted & Salted in 8-ounce tubs.
The products were distributed in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The company said that it was notified by its supplier that the cashew used may have possibly been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Routine sampling of another company's item, however, revealed Listeria contamination and subsequent probe in the manufacturing environment led to the discovery of a contaminated piece of equipment that was also used to produce the ingredients that Hampton Farms received.
No illness has been reported to date and while test results showed that the cashews were negative for Listeria, the company decided to recall possibly contaminated items as a precaution. Affected products have the best by date of April 28, 2018 and UPC 8-10111-01035-1.
"We deeply regret this situation and have employed our established recall plan to immediately remove the product from distribution. Nothing is more important than providing safe and wholesome, quality products," said Hampton Farms President Dallas Barnes.
Listeria infections can be deadly. Of the 1,600 cases that are reported in the United States each year, about 260 are deadly. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal problems.
For those who have eaten food that are contaminated with Listeria particularly those who are 65 years or older, pregnant women, and those who have weakened immune systems, health experts recommend seeking medical care once symptoms show up. Pregnant women who are infected face risk of miscarriage.
"Most people with invasive listeriosis require hospital care, and about one in five people with the infection die. When listeriosis occurs during pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn death. Listeriosis during pregnancy results in fetal loss in about 20% and newborn death in about 3% of cases," the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
