Nearly 20 types of vegetables — including cucumbers, bell peppers, green beans and parsley — have been recalled from grocery stores across the country due to listeria concerns. Ohio-based Weirs Farm Inc. is recalling produce sold at Walmart, Kroger, Aldi and more stores in over a dozen states, announced in a press release earlier this week.
The recall is an expansion of a of cucumbers that may be contaminated with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. Weirs Farm Inc. expanded its original recall to include additional produce "out of an abundance of caution," the company said.
Consuming food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. To date, there have been no illnesses or complaints reported, the FDA said. News of the recall comes amid an unrelated multistate , which has sickened 34 and left two people dead The recalled products include: Additionally, the following vegetables and herbs sold by the pound have been recalled These were packed between July 5 and July 12, per the FDA.
The packaged and bulk produce was distributed to stores in the following states, per the FDA: A detailed list of recalled items and affected stores in each state can be . Listeria infection can be deadly and is more likely to infect pregnant people and their newborns, people over the age of 65, and individuals with people with weakened immune systems, according to the . An estimated 1,600 people get sick with listeriosis annually and about 260 die, per the CDC.
Listeria is the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S. Symptoms of listeriosis depend on the person, their underlying health and the part of the body affected.
In healthy children and non-pregnant people, listeria can cause intestinal illness and rarely becomes serious, . In pregnant adults and people with weaker immune systems, listeriosis can cause invasive illness, which occurs when the bacteria spread beyond the gut, per the CDC. Intestinal illness caused by listeria usually begins 24 hours after eating contaminated food and lasts for one to three days.
Invasive listeriosis has a longer incubation period. Symptoms typically appear two weeks after exposure, . These include: Consumers who have eaten contaminated produce and experience any symptoms should seek medical attention or contact their healthcare provider immediately.
In a advised customers who purchased recalled products to discard or return them to a local store for a full refund. Last week, a Walmart spokesperson told NBC News on Friday that the recalled products have been removed from the stores and that the company is “working with the supplier to investigate the cause," . “Wiers Farm Inc.
is committed to implementing all measures necessary to fully resolve this situation,” the FDA said. Following basic precautions can help reduce your risk of listeria, . These include: Foods that are more likely to be contaminated with listeria include lunch meats (unless heated), soft cheeses, unpasteurized or raw dairy, refrigerated pâtés, refrigerated smoked seafood, and sprouts, .
Pregnant people and people with weak immune systems should avoid these and talk to their health care provider if they have questions. Caroline Kee is a health reporter at TODAY based in New York City..
