In recent weeks, Costco has faced several food recalls due to potential Listeria contamination, causing concern for many shoppers. The latest addition to the growing list involves a popular breakfast item, Krusteaz Belgian Waffles, which were pulled from store shelves just days after a seafood product recall.
This latest recall comes amid multiple food safety alerts affecting several well-known brands sold at Costco.
Affected Product: Krusteaz Belgian Waffles
Costco customers who purchased Krusteaz Belgian Waffles between October 13 and October 21 are being urged to stop consuming the product immediately.
The item in question is a 24-count package (Item number 547374) sold across Costco locations. According to a letter sent to affected customers, these waffles are part of a larger recall initiated by TreeHouse Foods, the supplier responsible for producing various frozen breakfast products.
TreeHouse Foods announced a widespread recall of multiple waffle and pancake brands due to the possibility of Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This bacterial infection can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Brands Impacted by the Recall
The recall isn’t limited to Krusteaz Belgian Waffles. Several other popular brands have also been affected by the potential Listeria contamination. The following brands are part of this massive recall:
- Kodiak Cakes
- Trader Joe’s
- Walmart’s Great Value
- Whole Foods’ 365 Organic
- Aldi’s Breakfast Best
- Target’s Good & Gather
Shoppers who have purchased frozen waffles or pancakes from any of these brands should check for recall notices on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website or directly return the items to the store for a full refund.
What Should You Do?
If you’ve purchased Krusteaz Belgian Waffles or any other impacted brand, here are the steps you should follow:
- Do not consume the product.
- Return the item to Costco (or the store where it was purchased) for a full refund.
- For any additional information or concerns, contact TreeHouse Foods at (800) 596-2903 or visit the FDA’s recall notice page for a complete list of affected products.
The Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon Recall
In addition to breakfast products, Costco is also dealing with a recall of its Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon, sold in select locations across the Southeast U.S. The affected salmon packages have a lot number of 8512801270 and are being pulled from shelves due to potential Listeria contamination.
Customers who purchased the smoked salmon are advised to return the product for a full refund and avoid consuming it.
Other Products Recalled Due to Listeria
In the past month, Costco has recalled several other items due to Listeria concerns. These include:
1. Rana Chicken Truffle Carbonara
2. Rana Tagliatelle Grilled White Chicken & Portobello Mushroom Sauce
3. El Monterey Mexican Grill Chicken & Cheese Taquitos
4. Red’s Southwestern Grilled Chicken Mini Burritos
All these items were pulled from shelves in October after tests revealed potential Listeria contamination.
Understanding the Risks of Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause serious illness, especially in certain populations. While it may cause mild symptoms in healthy adults, including fever, nausea, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms, it can lead to more severe consequences in pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria infection symptoms can take days or even weeks to appear after consuming contaminated food. In serious cases, it can lead to septicemia (blood infection), meningitis (inflammation of the brain), or other life-threatening complications.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
If you or a family member experience these symptoms after consuming any of the recalled products, it’s important to seek medical attention.
Table: List of Recalled Products at Costco (October 2024)
| Product | Brand | Reason for Recall | Dates of Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krusteaz Belgian Waffles | Krusteaz | Listeria contamination | Oct 13 – Oct 21, 2024 |
| Smoked Salmon | Kirkland Signature | Listeria contamination | Sold in Southeast U.S. locations |
| Chicken Truffle Carbonara | Rana | Listeria contamination | October 2024 |
| Tagliatelle Grilled Chicken & Mushroom Sauce | Rana | Listeria contamination | October 2024 |
| Chicken & Cheese Taquitos | El Monterey | Listeria contamination | October 2024 |
| Southwestern Grilled Chicken Mini Burritos | Red’s | Listeria contamination | October 2024 |
FAQs
Q: What should I do if I have Krusteaz Belgian Waffles at home?
A: If you purchased Krusteaz Belgian Waffles between October 13 and October 21, 2024, do not consume the product. Return it to your local Costco for a full refund or contact TreeHouse Foods for more information.
Q: Which brands are affected by this recall?
A: The recall affects multiple brands, including Krusteaz, Kodiak Cakes, Trader Joe’s, Walmart’s Great Value, Whole Foods’ 365 Organic, Aldi’s Breakfast Best, and Target’s Good & Gather.
Q: Why is Costco recalling these products?
A: The recall was initiated after concerns of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Listeria can cause severe illness, particularly in pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Q: How do I know if my Costco smoked salmon is affected?
A: Check the packaging for lot number 8512801270. If your product matches, return it to Costco for a full refund.
Q: What are the symptoms of Listeria infection?
A: Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle aches. In more severe cases, the infection can cause confusion, loss of balance, and complications like meningitis.
Q: Who is most at risk from Listeria?
A: Pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of severe illness from Listeria infection.
Conclusion:
Costco’s recent food recalls highlight the importance of vigilance in food safety. As the warehouse club contends with multiple Listeria-related issues, customers are urged to take immediate action if they have purchased any of the recalled items.
Checking lot numbers, avoiding consumption, and returning products for refunds are the key steps to ensure health and safety.
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