Fieldbrook Foods is voluntarily recalling 20 cases of Tops Orange Cream Bars, and 320 cases of Meijer Purple Cow Orange Cream Bars because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The Top’s Orange Cream Bars were sold in Tops retail stores in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Vermont. The Purple Cow Orange Cream Bars were sold in Meijer stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.
The Top’s Orange Cream Bars are in a 12 count box, with a production date of December 18, 2017 and a “best by” date of December 18, 2018. The Purple Cow Orange Cream Bars are also in a 12 count box, and have a production date of November 30, 2017 with a “best by” date of November 30, 2018.
Routine testing revealed the presence of the pathogenic bacteria in another production lot that “has been fully contained” according to the recall notice. The company has suspended production and distribution of the product while it cooperates with the FDA to investigate the source.
If you purchased these products, do not eat them. Throw them away in a double bagged or sealed package, or take them back to the store where you bought them for a full refund.
You should then clean out your freezer with a mild bleach solution to kill any bacteria. Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can grow at refrigerator temperatures, and freezing doesn’t kill it. Wash your hands with soap and water after cleaning and after handling the products.
If you ate these products, watch yourself for the symptoms of listeriosis for the next 70 days. That’s how long it can take for symptoms to appear. Symptoms include high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, nausea, and diarrhea. Pregnant women may only have a mild illness that is similar to the flu, but this infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor, and infection in the newborn. If you do get sick, see your doctor.
