Oregon Food Bank, which recalled Chia Seeds last week for possible rodent dropping contamination, is now recalling two more products, this time for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. No illnesses have been reported to date, but listeriosis, the illness caused by this bacteria, can take up to 70 days to manifest symptoms.
The recalled 63,825 pounds of pumpkin seeds were donated at the same time that the chia seeds were donated. They were distributed in Oregon and Clark County, Washington through the Oregon Food Bank Network of regional food banks and pantries.
The product was distributed in one pound plastic poly film bags with a twist-type closure or a re-sealable pouch or a KALE JOY plastic bag. The seeds were distributed between November 1, 2017 and March 16, 2018.
The other recalled product is 1,219 pounds of nutritional yeast. This product was also donated at the same time as the recalled chia seeds and pumpkin seeds.
It was also distributed in Oregon and Clark County, Washington, through the Oregon Food Bank Network. The product was in one pound plastic poly film bags with a twist-type closure or a re-sealable pouch. All nutritional yeast was distributed between November 1, 2017 and March 16, 2018.
If you have either of these products in your home, get rid of them immediately. Put them in a sealed bag or double wrapped package in a secure garbage can.
Then clean out your pantry or shelves or refrigerator, or wherever you stored these products, with a solution of one tablespoon liquid chlorine bleach to one gallon of warm water to kill any bacteria. Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can grow at refrigerator temperatures. Wash your hands well with soap and water after cleaning and after touching these products.
If you ate any of these products, monitor yourself for the symptoms of listeriosis for the next 70 days. Those symptoms include high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, nausea, and diarrhea. Pregnant women may only be mildly sick with what seems like the flu, but this illness can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature labor. If you do feel sick, see your doctor.
