The Ziegenfelder Company of Wheeling has recalled an estimated 3,000 cases of its ice pops products as a precaution against probable contamination of the germ Listeria monocytogenes.
The brands involved are Budget $aver Cherry Pineapple Monster Pops and Sugar Free Twin Pops. The products subjected to the recall were sold in 15 states. Included in the list of states are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Maine, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Facts On Ice Pops Recall
The items in question were delivered within the period of April 5 and April 19, 2018. Fortunately, no one has been reported getting sick or being hospitalized so far after consuming the possibly contaminated ice pops.
The management decided to do a voluntary recall after a routine state inspection of its Denver facility. An inspector found the species of pathogenic bacteria that cause the infection listeriosis in the said facility.
After an analysis of the specimen and the pathogen was confirmed, Ziegenfelder Company had immediately ceased the production and distribution of its merchandise, which were produced in the possibly contaminated facility in Denver.
The State of Colorado and the company continue with their investigation as to how the pathogen thrived within the Denver facility.
Return Products With These Codes In Exchange For A Full Refund
Ice pops have a relatively long shelf life. Hence, consumers may still have the items in question inside their family freezers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has listed the codes of the products that should be returned to the place of purchase in exchange for a full refund. These codes are as follows:
Cherry Pineapple Monster Pops
UPC Code 0-74534-84200-9
Lot Codes D09418A through D10018B
Sugar Free Pops
UPC Code 0-74534-75642-9
Lot Codes D09318A through D10018B
Listeria Is A Harmful Germ
The pathogen responsible for listeria can thrive in many foods. In the 1990s, the listeria outbreak was commonly linked to deli meats and hot dogs.
At present, however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that outbreaks are often linked to dairy products. The recent listeria outbreaks are traced to soft cheeses, celery, sprouts, cantaloupe, and ice cream.
CDC estimates that Listeria monocytogenes sicken 1,600 people each year and 260 dies because of it. People most vulnerable to the disease are the pregnant women, newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weak immune systems.
Pregnant women should be extra careful not to contract the disease. Infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection for the newborn.
