Food Recall: Frozen Vegetables Recalled Over Potential Listeria Contamination

Recalled frozen vegetable products. FSANZ

A variety of frozen vegetable products have been recalled due to possible Listeria contamination.

Greenyard Frozen Belgium NV is recalling several products sold at Woolworths, ALDI and IGA, Campbells and independent grocery stores, said Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) on July 9.

The affected products originating from Belgium and Hungary are:

Woolworths

• Essentials snap frozen mixed veg 1kg: Carrots, peas, corn, green beans & potatoes—National distribution, Best before March 19, 2020, through to April 24, 2020
• Bell Farms Steam Veggie Carrot Corn and Broccoli 3pk 450g—National distribution, all stock

IGA

• Black & Gold Corn Kernels 500g—National distribution, Best before all dates
• Black & Gold Mixed Vegetables 1kg: Carrots, peas, beans & corn—National distribution, Best before all dates

ALDI

• Market Fare Peas, Carrots and Super Sweet Corn 1kg – National distribution
• Market Fare Corn Kernels 1kg—QLD, VIC, WA and select NSW stores, Product of Hungary (only)
• Market Fare Mixed Vegetables 1kg—QLD, NSW, ACT, W,  Packed in Belgium from imported and Belgian ingredients (only)
• Market Fare Quick Steam Carrot Broccoli and Cauliflower 450g—National distribution
• Market Fare Quick Steam Carrot Corn and Broccoli 450g—National distribution
• Only ALDI products with country of origin of Belgium, United Kingdom or Hungary, all other countries not affected.

People who have any of the above products in their freezer should throw it out or return it to the store for a full refund, said the authority.

Listeria is a bacteria that can cause serious illness and in certain cases death, in particular in vulnerable people.

Acting FSANZ CEO Peter May said people at greater risk from Listeria infection included pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients, and the elderly.

“The products affected contain a particularly dangerous strain of Listeria and are being recalled as a precautionary measure to ensure consumers are protected, but particularly vulnerable populations,” May said.

“While many people will follow cooking instructions properly (which should kill Listeria bacteria) we are aware that some people eat frozen vegetables straight from the freezer and there is a risk of some people not cooking produce properly.”

People who have health concerns should seek medical advice.

Earlier this year, an outbreak of Listeria in rockmelons claimed the lives of six people, reported news.com.au.

According to the FSANZ, listeriosis can be prevented by following good food and eating practices including:

 – refrigerate perishable foods and eat them as soon as possible

– pregnant women should avoid ready-to-eat foods

– thoroughly cook raw meats and wash raw fruit and vegetables before eating

– avoid cross-contamination, for example, use separate cutting boards and knives for raw and ready-to-eat food, and store cooked food separately from raw foods

– wash hands thoroughly before preparing or eating food

From NTD.tv