CRF Frozen Foods, which is based in Pasco, Washington, recalled 15 of its frozen vegetables because of the possibility of Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recalled food products can cause serious illness and fatal infections on its victims when ingested.
Listeria Monocytogenes In CRF Frozen Foods Products
Although the recall was voluntary, the FDA still issued a report detailing the incident. As it turns out, the products weren't contaminated at all, albeit they are susceptible to Listeria contamination. The U.S. agency noted that the recall was done as a "precaution."
Fortunately, state health officials of Ohio found the Listeria monocytogenes during routine testing. Listeria monocytogenes were discovered in a batch of Individually Quick Frozen organic white sweet cut corn, as well as another lot of Individually Quick Fronzen organic petite green peas.
CRF Frozen Foods Minimizing Contamination
The recalled items were separately packed and marked with "Use By Dates at the back of the plastic bag. To check if your batch could have been included in the Listeria monocytogenes contamination, you can check out a full list of the recalled products here.
Perhaps the early recall saved CRF Frozen Foods a lot of trouble. With a lot of brand labels under their belt, spreading a Listeria contamination could just put the company out of business. As of writing, there have been no reported cases of illnesses from Listeria monocytogenes contamination with regard to CRF Frozen Foods' recalled products.
Areas Where CRF Frozen Foods Were Sold
The withdrawn frozen vegetables were distributed in retailers and distribution centers from Sept. 13 to March 16. The affected areas were Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire and New Jersey, Fox 59 reported.
In addition, there's also New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Canada's British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Shoppers who happened to buy these frozen vegetables were advised to take them back to the supermarket to get a refund, if they don't want to just throw it out.
Listeria Monocytogenes
As per About Listeria, there are six classes of Listeria, but only Listeria monocytogenes can cause diseases in humans. Listeria monocytogenes grow quickly in heat ranging between 86 to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 30-37 degrees Celsius.
On the other hand, it can also breed in cold temperatures. Listeria monocytogenes contamination have been a recurring issue in the food product and food service industry the last few years because the bacteria can multiply and infect in temperatures like those of refrigerators.
Effects Of Listeria Monocytogenes Infection
Listeria monocytogenes can be easily affect kids, the elders and anyone who has weak immune systems. Healthy people, too, can be troubled by Listeria monocytogenes with temporary high fever, serious headache, body extremities, vomiting, abdominal pains and diarrhea, according to Click Orlando.
Listeria monocytogenes can also cause miscarriage and stillborn in pregnant women. However, there are no reported cases of illness concerning CRF Frozen Foods' frozen vegetables.
