TreeHouse Foods Inc. is recalling hundreds of flavors of frozen waffles because testing showed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The recalled products were distributed throughout the United States and Canada and packed in various formats under the various brand names. Consumers and retailers can use the list of product codes provided here to identify the recalled waffles.
TreeHouse Foods has posted an 85-page document with photos of the recalled waffles. The photos can be found here. The recalled waffles are packaged under many different brand names, including but not limited to Great Value, Best Choice, Always Save, Food Lion, Giant Eagle, Hannaford, and Simple Truth.
The Listeria contamination was discovered through routine testing at the manufacturing facility. Freezing temperatures do not kill the pathogen.
As of the posting of the recall notice, no confirmed illnesses had been reported to the company. However, it can take up to 70 days after consumption of contaminated food for symptoms of Listeria infection to develop.
Consumers should check their freezers for any of the recalled products and dispose of them or return the recalled product to the place of purchase for credit. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 800-596-2903.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalled wafflesand developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
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