Yorgo’s Foods is recalling all Greek-style food products it makes because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes food poisoning. Earlier this week, Yorgo’s recalled their hummus for possible Listeria contamination, and that recall has been expanded. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall.
You can see the long list of recalled products, along with the UPC number and package size at the FDA web site. Products recalled include many types of hommus (hummus), including Chipotle Pepper Hommus, Lemon Pepper, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Garlic. Trader Joe’s Cilantro & Chive Yogurt Dip and Tahini Sauce are recalled, along with Tzatziki, Taboule Salad, Falafel, Chickpea Salad, Black Bean Salad, Three Bean Salad, and Vegan Hoppin Salad, among others. You can also see pictures of the recalled product labels at the FDA site.
These products were distributed to retail stores nationwide. Routine FDA environmental sampling found Listeria monocytogenes in the processing environment at the Yorgo’s Foods facility. They also found the pathogenic bacteria in one sample of “Original Tahini Sauce.” The company has ceased manufacturing foods voluntarily while the issue is investigated.
If you bought any of these products, do not eat them. Make sure that the products have the UPC numbers as specified at the FDA site. Throw them away in a sealed package and place them in a secure garbage can, or take them back to the store where you bought them for a refund.
Then clean out your fridge with a mild bleach solution. This must be done to kill any Listeria bacteria that may be present. The bacteria can contaminate other foods or cause cross-contamination in the fridge. If you frozen any of these items, clean out your freezer as well.
If you ate these products, watch yourself for the symptoms of listeriosis for the next 70 days. Those symptoms can include headache, fever, stiff neck, muscle aches, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Any pregnant women must be very careful about this illness, since listeriosis can cause miscarriage and stillbirth. If you do develop symptoms call your doctor.
