Multiple food products, including frozen waffles and cheesecakes, are being pulled from shelves due to potential listeria contamination. The recalls highlight the serious health risks posed by Listeria monocytogenes, which can be particularly harmful to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Treehouse Foods, the manufacturer of numerous frozen waffle brands, has issued a voluntary recall after discovering potential listeria contamination through routine testing at their Oak Brook, Illinois facility. The recall affects brands like Kodiak Cakes, Target's Good & Gather, and Walmart's Great Value. Despite there being no reported illnesses, the company understands the urgency of informing consumers about the dangers listeria poses. A spokesperson for Treehouse Foods stated, "Listeria monocytogenesis [is] an organism can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections... Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women." Customers are advised to check their freezers for affected products, verifying through the UPC, Lot Code, and "Best By" date. Any recalled items should be discarded or returned for credit, with Treehouse providing assistance via their consumer hotline at 800-596-2903.
Meanwhile, Chrissy's Cheesecakes is also recalling their Cookies & Cream Cheesecake due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes. On December 14, 2024, the company announced the recall, raising alarms about health risks associated with the bacteria. Symptoms of listeria infection can be mild, featuring flu-like symptoms or gastrointestinal issues. Vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, babies, and individuals with compromised immunity are at greater risk. The incubation period can range from three weeks to 70 days, creating concerns for those who may have consumed the product. Retailers are urged to remove the implicated batch from sale and to display recall notices prominently.
Further amplifying concerns, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has reported the recall of the same batch of Chrissy’s Cookies & Cream Cheesecake under batch code 337, which is set to expire on December 19, 2024. The FSAI indicated, "Some people are more vulnerable to Listeria monocytogenes infections, including pregnant women, babies, and people with weakened immune systems, including the elderly." They echo the message to stop using the implicated batch and inform consumers not to consume it.
On another front, Dunnes Stores have recently recalled two popular cheese products, namely Beechwood Smoked and Tomato & Herb Wicklow Cheddar, due to potential listeria contamination. With the holiday season approaching, the timing of this urgent recall is unsettling for many consumers stocking up on food supplies. The FSAI confirmed the recall, specifying the details for Beechwood Smoked cheddar with batch code 24182 and use by date of February 28, 2025, and Tomato & Herb cheddar with batch code 24302 and use by date of February 9, 2025. Consumers are being encouraged to discard these cheeses, as listeria infection can lead to severe complications, especially for at-risk populations. Symptoms can range from mild gastrointestinal issues to severe health crises.
The recalls stem from proactive measures by manufacturers and food safety authorities to safeguard public health. Treehouse Foods and other implicated brands are committed to transparency and consumer safety. Treehouse stated, "the investigation was born from routine testing, emphasizing the importance of food safety practices." Consumers are urged to stay abreast of recall notifications, which can prevent health risks associated with contaminated food products.
With the potential for more recalls as testing continues, food safety remains a major priority. The importance of routine testing and monitoring for pathogens like Listeria cannot be overstated, as these measures can help prevent outbreaks and save lives.
For consumers, staying vigilant means keeping track of recall announcements, checking product labels thoroughly, and reporting any illness after consuming recalled products. Health experts stress the importance of food safety practices at home, including proper food handling and cooking methods, to mitigate the risks associated with foodborne illnesses.
For now, shoppers should check their kitchen for affected products and are reminded not to consume any items listed under recent recall notifications. Those who may have purchased any of the implicated products should seek updates from the retailers or manufacturers to remain informed about the safety of their food.