Pictsweet frozen vegetables have been recalled for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall has not been posted on the FDA recall page, but different grocers have listed the recall on their web sites. Pictsweet also does not have any information on its web site. And, in a troubling development, many different grocery store chains have posted different UPC numbers and “best by” dates for the same recalled product. Some stores recall only one of the products; others recall two or more different products. Pictsweet has alerted these retailers about the recall.
Schnucks is the only chain that has stated that the recall was triggered for chopped onions from Oregon Potato Company (doing business as “Freeze Pack”) that may be contaminated with the pathogenic bacteria., Schucks was also the first chain to announce the recall, for “Steamables Spring Vegetables” and “Seasoning Blend.” Oregon Potato Company does not have any information about the recall on its web site either.
Please read this information carefully, because the UPC numbers, best by dates, and even recalled products are different store by store.
The Schnucks recall is for two products. Pictsweet Steamables Seasoned Summer Vegetables, sold in 10 ounce packages with the UPC 7056097826 and best by date of 03/19/2018 is recalled. Also recalled is Pictsweet Seasoning Blend in 12 ounce packages with the UPC number 7056096902 and best by date of 4/2/2018.
Giants and Martin’s website state that Pictsweet Steamables Seasoned Summer Vegetables in 10 ounce packages sold in their stores is recalled. That product has UPC number of 7056098001 and best by date of 03/28/16. They then state that “out of an abundance of caution” all product code dates are being recalled.
Wegmans has posted a recall as well. They are recalling the Pictsweet Seasoning Blend in 10 ounce packages, with UPC number 07056096902, but with lot code 0906BT and “best by” date of 3/30/2018. That chain is also recalling Pictsweet Chopped Onions in 10 ounce packages with UPC number 07056096609. The product codes and best by dates for the recalled onions are 0906BA best by 03/30/2018, 0826BB best by 03/22/2018, 0826BC best by 03/22/2018, and 0906BA best by 03/30/2018.
Tops Markets is recalling Pictsweet Steam Spring Vegetable in 10 ounce packages, with UPC number 7056097826, with code dates 3/18/18 and 3/30/18. That chain is also recalling Pictsweet Steamables Seasoned Summer Vegetables in 10 ounce packages, with UPC number 7056098001 and code date 3/28/18.
Stop & Shop is recalling Pictsweet Steamables Seasoned Summer Vegetables in 10 ounce packages. The UPC number for that product is 7056098001, and all date codes are recalled out of an abundance of caution, even though the only product affected has a best by date of 3/28/2016.
FoodLion has posted a recall notice stating that “these items are sold in Food Lion DC10 stores ONLY.” They are recalling Pictsweet Steamers Spring Vegetables in 10 ounce packages, with UPC number 07056097826. Also recalled is Pictsweet Steam’ables Seasoned Summer Vegetables in 10 ounce packages with UPC number 07056098001. No best by date is mentioned for either product.
If you purchased any of these recalled products, do not eat them. Even if you cook them, because these are microwave products, there could be cold spots in the products that contain live bacteria.Throw them away in a sealed container so other people and animals can’t either them either, or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling these products.
Then clean out your refrigerator and/or freezer with a mild bleach solution to kill any remaining bacteria. Listeria monocytogenes can grow at refrigerator temperatures, and freezing will not kill it.
If you ate any of these recalled products, monitor yourself for the symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes food poisoning for the next 70 days. Those symptoms include flu-like illness, with fever, muscle aches, headache, loss of balance, confusion, upset stomach, or diarrhea. Pregnant women may only have a mild illness, but listeriosis can cause miscarriage, premature labor, stillbirth, and infection in the newborn baby.
