Pacific Coast Fruit Company is recalling various prepared vegetable products for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This is part of the Mann’s Packing recall that was issued earlier this month. The products were distributed to grocery stores, restaurants, and deli chains in Oregon and Washington state. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue.
The recalled retail salads are packed in a 10 oz, 16 oz, 20 oz, 25 oz plastic clamshell style and value-added food service items are packed in 5 lbs – 20 lbs food service salad bags. You can see the list of recalled products at the FDA web site. They included Carnival Cauli Florets, Small Veg Tray, Kit Cauliflower Cake, Kit Cauliflower Tabouleh, and Stir Fry, among others. The brands are New Seasons Market and Pacific Coast Fruit.
If you bought these products, do not eat them, even if you are going to cook them. It’s possible for contaminated foods to cross-contaminate other products in refrigerators or during preparation. Throw these products away in sealed or double bagged containers and put them into a secure garbage can, or bring them back to the place of purchase for a refund.
If you ate these products, you must watch yourself for the symptoms of listeriosis, the illness this bacteria causes, for the next 70 days. It can take that long for people to get sick from Listeria, although most people get sick within a few weeks.
Symptoms of listeriosis can include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, muscle aches, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Most people do get sick enough from this infection that they do see a doctor. Pregnant women, however, may only be mildly ill with what appears to be the flu. But listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor, and serious infection in the newborn baby. If you do feel sick, see your doctor as soon as possible.
