Stop & Shop is recalling their private brand frozen broccoli cuts for possible Listeria monocytogenes. The product was pulled because the state of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Food & Standards pulled a store sample that tested positive for the pathogenic bacteria. There is no word on the recall notice of any illnesses being reported to the government or the manufacturer to date.
The recalled product is SB Cut Broccoli in 16 ounce packages. The UPC number on the product is 068826700926, and the best by date is March 15, 2020. Stop & Shop stores have 422 locations in the northeastern United States, primarily in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.
If you purchased this product, do not eat it, even if you are going to cook it. If you microwave the broccoli, cold spots may remain where bacteria could linger. Throw it away in a sealed or double bagged package so other people and animals can’t access it. You can also return the product to the store where you bought it for a full refund.
After you discard the broccoli, you need to clean your refrigerator or freezer or wherever you stored it with a bleach solution to kill any bacteria. Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can grow at refrigerator temperatures. Freezing temperatures will not kill this bacteria. Use a solution of 1 tablespoon liquid chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of warm water. Wipe down all packages that may have come into contact with the broccoli packages. Rinse with water and dry. Wash your hands well with soap and water after handling these package and after cleaning.
If you ate this product, watch yourself for the symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes food poisoning for the next 70 days. Symptoms include high fever, stiff neck, muscle aches, nausea, severe headache, and diarrhea. Pregnant women may have miscarriages or stillbirths if they get this infection, but may only be mildly ill with what seems like the flu. If you do get sick, see your doctor and tell her you ate this recalled product.
