It’s time to check your fridges and freezers! A recent listeria outbreak has prompted a significant recall of vegetables, dips, and deli meat across the state. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and healthy.
What Is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause serious infection, especially in pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to meningitis or septicemia.
The Recall: What’s Affected?
The recall affects a wide range of products, including pre-packaged salads, deli meats, cheeses, and frozen vegetables. The affected items were sold under various brand names at major grocery stores throughout Ohio.
Specific items include:
Vegetables and dips sold in Kroger
- SNOWFRUIT Butternut Squash Cubes – UPC 639123880352 – 12oz Container
- SNOWFRUIT Chopped Cilantro with White Onion – UPC 639123880062 – 5oz Container
- SNOWFRUIT Diced Pepper Tri-Blend – UPC 639123880024 – 8oz Container
- SNOWFRUIT Diced Pepper w/ White Onion – UPC 639123880048 – 7oz Container
- SNOWFRUIT Fajita Mix, Hot – UPC 639123880406 – 11oz Container
- SNOWFRUIT Fajita Mix, Mild – UPC 639123880390 – 11oz Container
- SNOWFRUIT Guacamole & Pico de Gallo Combo – UPC 639123880574 – 16oz Container
- SNOWFRUIT Guacamole Chunky Medium – UPC 639123880161 – 14oz Container
- SNOWFRUIT Guacamole Chunky Mild – UPC 639123880154 – 14oz Container
- SNOWFRUIT Pico de Gallo Classic Hot – UPC 639123880116 – 14oz Container
- SNOWFRUIT Pico de Gallo Classic Medium – UPC 639123880093 – 14oz Container
- SNOWFRUIT Pico de Gallo Classic Mild – UPC 639123880109 – 14oz Container
- SNOWFRUIT Salsa Medium – UPC 639123880185 – 16oz Container
- SNOWFRUIT Salsa Mild – UPC 639123880178 – 16oz Container
- SNOWFRUIT Snacking Peppers – UPC 639123880260 – 12oz Container
- SNOWFRUIT Diced Jalapeno – UPC 639123880031 – 7oz Container
- SNOWFRUIT Guacamole Blender Mild – UPC 639123880789 – 12oz Container
Boar’s Head Deli Meats
- 3.5-lb. loaves in plastic casing, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst MADE IN VIRGINIA.” The products shipped to retailers bear sell by dates ranging July 25, 2024, to Aug. 30, 2024, printed on the side of the packaging.
The other ready-to-eat deli meat products were produced on June 27, 2024. The following deli meat products are subject to recall:
- 9.5-lb. and 4.5-lb. full product, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head VIRGINIA HAM OLD FASHIONED HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
- 4-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
- 6-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head EXTRA HOT ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
- 4-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
- 2.5-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BEEF SALAMI” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
- 5.5-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head STEAKHOUSE ROASTED BACON HEAT & EAT” with sell by date “AUG 15” on the product packaging.
- 3-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head GARLIC BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
- 3-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BEEF BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
The products subject to recall were distributed to retail deli locations nationwide. The products shipped to deli retailers bear establishment number “EST. 12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.
What to Do
- Check Your Products: Look for any items in your fridge or freezer that match the affected products list. Pay close attention to brand names, lot numbers, and best-by dates.
- Dispose Safely: If you have any of the recalled products, do not consume them. Seal them in a plastic bag and dispose of them to prevent the spread of listeria.
- Clean Your Fridge: Listeria can survive and even grow in refrigerator temperatures. Clean your refrigerator and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled products using hot, soapy water.
- Monitor Your Health: If you have consumed any of the recalled products, monitor yourself for symptoms of listeria infection. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience fever, muscle aches, or gastrointestinal symptoms.
Why the Recall Happened
The recall was initiated after routine testing by the Ohio Department of Health detected listeria contamination in certain food items. The companies involved are working closely with health officials to ensure all affected products are removed from shelves and consumers are informed.
Prevention Tips
- Store Food Safely: Keep your refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or lower and your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or lower.
- Cook Food Thoroughly: Ensure meats and vegetables are cooked to safe temperatures to kill any harmful bacteria.
- Separate Foods: Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meats separate from other foods.
While this recall is concerning, staying informed and taking the appropriate actions can help keep you and your loved ones safe. Always stay updated on food safety alerts, and don’t hesitate to reach out to health professionals if you have concerns about potential exposure to listeria.