Alimentos Congelados recalled 1,800 cases of their Frozen Broccoli Cuts due to Listeria Monocytogenes found on the product after conducting a test by Department of Agriculture in the State of Ohio.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an announcement that the company is voluntarily recalling its broccoli products due to potential contamination of listeria.
Listeria Monocytogenes
Listeria Monocytogenes are organisms causing mild to severe listeriosis infection among children, frail elders and to some people with weak immune system. Healthy individuals may suffer mild symptoms like headaches, fever, nausea, stiffness, stomachache and diarrhea. It can also cause stillbirths and miscarriage among pregnant women.
Pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria Monocytogenes are food-borne bacteria capable of surviving in a place where oxygen may be present or absent. It can be transmitted through ingestion of food contaminated with the bacteria.
The overall mortality rate [pdf] of listeriosis in susceptible individuals is at 50 percent, while it can go as high as 70 percent in untreated conditions with neurologic diseases.
Antibiotic therapy is the treatment of choice for listeriosis, which includes amoxicillin and ampicillin.
The Product Recall
The company is recalling the frozen broccoli cuts packed in poly bags with codes and labels WYLWOOD Fresh Frozen Broccoli Cuts, NET WT. 16 OZ (1 LB), UPC 519330011, bag code A25335P and A15335P
The frozen broccoli cuts are distributed in the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Alabama.
Currently, there have been no records of company complaints from the products and no sickness associated with listeriosis has been reported.
Alimentos Congelados had already ceased the distribution of the frozen broccoli cuts and fully cooperating with regulatory agencies.
Consumers who had bought the frozen broccoli cuts are advised not to consume the product and just throw it away. Those who wish for a refund or any questions with regards to the product can contact the company's Consumer Affairs at 1-800-888-4646, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
Photo: Steven Lilley | Flickr
