Hundreds of frozen waffle and pancake products are being recalled over potential listeria contamination. The recall, initially announced last Friday, was expanded Tuesday to include additional waffle products as well as frozen pancake items.
TreeHouse Foods, a food manufacturing company that produces many stores brand name foods, issued a voluntary recall Friday on frozen waffles sold around the country. The items were recalled because they may have been contaminated with listeria, a bacteria that can cause illness. The issue was discovered through routine testing at the company's manufacturing facility and there have been no confirmed reports of illnesses so far, TreeHouse said in a statement.
The products were sold throughout the United States and Canada and were packaged under various brand names at retailers including Target, Walmart and Stop & Shop. The recall has now expanded to include products sold at Kroger, Trader Joe's and Giant Eagle.
To see if an item you have purchased is part of the recall, check the product's retail UPC code on the back of the carton, or the lot code and best by date on the end of the carton. Customers who have purchased any of the recalled items should dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase.
Listeria and Food Safety
Listeria is a bacteria that spreads easily on surfaces and through food that can cause serious infections. It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially to older adults, people with weak immune systems and pregnant women.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeria is the third leading cause of foodborne illness death in the United States. Symptoms of listeria infections include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, fever and muscle aches. Listeria infections in pregnant people can also cause pregnancy loss and premature birth.
Recalled Products and Retailers
Here is the full list from the original recall announced Friday:
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Original Recall:
- Aldi
- Dollar General
- Giant Eagle
- Great Value
- Kodiak Cakes
- Kroger
- Target
- Trader Joe's
- Walmart
Here is the full list of products on the expanded recall list:
-
Expanded Recall:
- Compliments
- Duncan Hines
- Gordon Choice
- Great Value
- Life Smart
- Natures Path Organic
- No Brand Name
- President’s Choice
- Selection
The recalled frozen products have been sold at the following retail stores around the country, per the Food and Drug Administration:
-
Retailers:
- Aldi
- Dollar General
- Giant Eagle
- Great Value
- Kodiak Cakes
- Kroger
- Target
- Trader Joe's
- Walmart
Preventing Listeria Contamination
According to the FDA, here are some ways to prevent listeria from growing on your foods:
- Refrigerate foods promptly.
- Keep hot foods hot (above 140°F) and cold foods cold (below 40°F).
- Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly with hot, soapy water before and after handling food.
- Avoid cross-contamination between raw meat, poultry, seafood, and produce.
- Clean your refrigerator regularly and throw away any expired food.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
- Cook meat, poultry, and seafood to the proper internal temperature.
A Call for Action
Consumers are urged to check their freezers for any of the listed products and dispose of them or return them to the store where they purchased it for a full refund. If you have any further questions, you may contact the company at 800-596-2903 Monday through Friday at 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT.
