Meijer is voluntarily recalling some of their branded fresh packaged products that contain apples for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This is a secondary recall after Fresh-Pak recalled apples when they were alerted by their supplier, Jack Brown. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall.
The recalled products were sold in Meier stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. They are Meijer Michigan Harvest Salad in 10 ounce packages with UPC number 708820684003, Meijer Sharable Waldorf salad in 16 ounce packages with UPC number 713733538640, and Meijer Fresh Cranberry Apple Stuffing Starter in 18.9 ounce packages with UPC number 719283379771. The products are packaged in plastic containers with printed labels and have “sell by” dates ranging from December 17, 2017 to December 21, 2017. You can see pictures of the products at the FDA web site.
Do not eat these products, even if you are going to cook them. Throw them away in a sealed or double bagged container, or take them back to the place of purchase for a full refund.
It’s important that you clean out your refrigerator if you stored these products in that appliance. Use a solution of 1 tablespoon liquid chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of warm water. Then rinse with clear water and dry. Wash your hands well and thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning and after handling these products. Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can grow at refrigerator temperatures and freezing doesn’t kill it.
If you ate these products, watch yourself for the symptoms of listeriosis, the illness caused by this bacteria, for the next 70 days. Symptoms include high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, abdominal pains and cramps, and diarrhea. Pregnant women may only have a mild illness similar to the flu, but listeriosis can cause stillbirth, miscarriage, premature labor, and illness in the newborn. If you do get sick, see your doctor and tell him you ate these recalled products.
