Earlier this week we told you about the recall of frozen green beans for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The FDA has now released information about this recall, and it includes many more products.
The recall notice states that “following cooking preparation instructions on the labels of master cases or packages will effectively reduce the risk of exposure to this bacterium.” But the potential for cross-contamination between this product before it is cooked and kitchen surfaces and other foods exists.
The products were distributed to foodservice accounts in bulk and packaged containers in AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, ID, IL, KS, MI, MS, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OR, TN, TX, VA, and WA. The products being recalled were distributed between August 18, 2017 and January 12, 2018.
These recalled items are in 32 ounce bags and can be identified by the date codes printed on the package of the bag or the side of the master case. You can see the long list of brands, products, package sizes, NFFC Item number and customer number, and lot information at the FDA web site. The recalled products include Cut Green beans, Meadow Blend, and Whole Green Beans, with brand names including Valamont, the World’s Harvest, Monarch, Sysco Imperial, and others.
There have been no reports of human illness to date. A third party test results of IQF (individually quick frozen) Green Beans by a “downstream customer” revealed the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Consumers should not consume these products. Return them to the place of purchase or throw them away in sealed packages.
Refrigerators and freezers that held these products should be cleaned with a mild bleach solution, since Listeria bacteria can grow at refrigerator temperatures. Freezing does not kill this bacteria.
