A frozen vegetable recall from Trader Joe’s CRF Frozen Foods due to a listeria outbreak is making headlines. The recall concerns organic peas, broccoli, corn, and Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice.
A frozen vegetable recall from Trader Joe’s has been expanded to certain Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice. This week, an outbreak of listeria across three states, including California and in Canada has prompted a massive international recall of frozen organic and non-organic vegetables and fruits.
The items, which were packaged by CRF Frozen Foods in Washington state, have been contaminated by the deadly Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The company, which had issued the original voluntary recall in April, has since suspended operations at its plant.
In a statement released by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it was revealed that the massive recall will affect 358 products under 42 different brands sold at grocery stores including Safeway, Trader Joe’s, and Costco.
The products might be contaminated with deadly Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The frozen fruits and vegetables on the list were sold in all 50 states and parts of Canada.
According to health officials, the deaths of two people, one in Maryland and the other from Washington are not related to the listeria outbreak. It has been confirmed that at least eight people have fallen ill after consuming the products.
CRF Frozen Foods released a statement asking customers, who purchased the products to throw them out immediately or return the purchase for a full refund. Additionally, the company released another statement explaining that Listeria primarily affects “older adults, adults with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns.” The company explained:
“Listeria can cause “serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.”
The press release goes on to say:
“Products include but are not limited to: organic and non-organic broccoli, butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower, corn, edamame, green beans, Italian beans, kale, leeks, lima beans, onions, peas, pepper strips, potatoes, potato medley, root medley, spinach, sweet potatoes, various vegetable medleys, blends, and stir fry packages, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, peaches, raspberries, and strawberries.”
The products were processed at the CRF facility since May 1, 2014, and have sell by dates between April 26, 2016 and April 26, 2018.
Trader Joe’s issued their own statement pertaining to the recall:
The latest round of recalls includes all lot and date codes of Trader Joe’s Vegetable Fried Rice (SKU/Barcode 00521482) and Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice (SKU/Barcode 00332514).
Trader Joe’s Organic Peas (SKU/Barcode 00496636)
Trader Joe’s Petite Peas (SKU/Barcode 00122689)
Trader Joe’s Organic Whole Green Beans (SKU/Barcode 00169219)
Trader Joe’s Organic Broccoli Florettes (SKU/Barcode 00542784)
Trader Joe’s Organic Foursome (SKU/Barcode 00908672)
