TreeHouse Foods, Inc. has issued a nationwide recall of several frozen waffle products, which may be contaminated with listeria. This contamination can cause a serious foodborne illness, particularly dangerous for certain groups of people.
Why the Frozen Waffles Are Being Recalled
The recall follows routine testing conducted at TreeHouse Foods’ manufacturing facility. During the testing, the potential for listeria contamination was discovered.
These frozen waffles were distributed across the United States and Canada under various brand names, and they can be found at popular retailers like Aldi, Walmart, and Target.
What Is Listeria?
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can lead to listeriosis, a serious infection. While listeriosis is rare, it can be severe, particularly for older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea, which can develop days or weeks after consuming contaminated food.
Although no illnesses have been reported so far, it is essential to take the recall seriously and check if you have any of the affected products.
How to Identify the Recalled Waffles
Over 600 varieties of frozen waffles have been impacted by this recall. These include several well-known brands sold at large retail stores. Some of the affected brands include:
- Great Value (Walmart)
- Good & Gather (Target)
- Breakfast Best (Aldi)
- Clover Valley (Dollar General)
- Publix
- Simple Truth
- Kodiak Cakes
Each brand has unique packaging and labeling, so it’s important to check TreeHouse Foods’ comprehensive recall list to see if the waffles you purchased are affected. This list contains vital information such as Universal Product Codes (UPCs), Lot Codes, and Best Dates.
Additionally, images of the packaging of the recalled products are available on TreeHouse Foods’ website to help you identify the products in your freezer.
What To Do if You Have Recalled Waffles
If you’ve purchased any of the affected frozen waffles, here’s what you need to do:
- Don’t Eat Them: Even if the waffles appear fine, they could still be contaminated with listeria, which can cause illness. Throw them away or return them to the store where you bought them.
- Get a Refund: Most retailers will fully refund recalled products, even without a receipt. Contact the store or check TreeHouse Foods Foods’ website for further instructions on returning the product.
- Contact the Company: If you have questions about the recall, contact TreeHouse Foods directly at 800-596-2903, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CST).
Why Are There No Reported Illnesses?
Fortunately, there have been no reports of illness connected to these waffles. However, listeria contamination can take time to show symptoms, and not everyone who consumes the bacteria will get sick.
The recall is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of consumers before any issues arise.
How to Protect Yourself from Listeria
Listeria can survive in cold temperatures, which makes frozen products particularly concerning. Here are some tips to reduce your risk of exposure to listeria:
- Regularly Clean Your Freezer: Wipe down shelves and surfaces to remove any bacteria that may have transferred from contaminated products.
- Cook Thoroughly: While frozen waffles are typically heated before consumption, ensure they’re cooked according to the package instructions. High heat kills bacteria like listeria.
- Practice Good Food Safety: Keep an eye on recalls and discard expired or questionable frozen items.
Symptoms of Listeriosis
The symptoms of listeriosis can vary but often include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
In severe cases, the infection can spread beyond the gut, leading to more serious complications like meningitis.
Contact a healthcare professional immediately if you’ve consumed a recalled product and experience any of these symptoms, especially in a high-risk group.
What to Know About Listeria Recalls
Food recalls due to listeria are not uncommon. They are typically precautionary steps taken by companies to ensure the safety of consumers.
Listeria differs from other bacteria because it can survive in colder environments like refrigerators and freezers. This is why frozen products like waffles can be affected.
While the FDA oversees these recalls and ensures that companies like TreeHouse Foods take the appropriate steps, consumers must remain vigilant about checking for recalls and removing affected products from their homes.
Conclusion
Although no one has gotten sick yet from these recalled frozen waffles, being conscious is crucial. Listeria can be dangerous, particularly for vulnerable groups, so checking your freezer for the affected brands is a wise step to protect yourself and your family.
If you have any recalled products, remember to return them for a refund or throw them away.
For more detailed information, including the complete list of recalled brands and the specific packaging details, visit Tree House Foods’ official Foods ‘age or contact their customer service.
By staying informed and acting promptly, you can protect your household from potential listeria contamination.
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