Greenhead lobster meat, both fresh and frozen, is being recalled for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. No illnesses have been reported to the company to date in connection with this issue. The recalling firm is Greenhead Lobster Products of Bucksport, Maine.
All frozen and refrigerated cooked lobster meat products that were produced from May 9, 2023 through October 19, 2023 are included in this recall. None of the lobster has tested positive for the bacteria, but the recall was triggered because Listeria monocytogenes was found in the processing environment. No other Greenhead Lobster product are affected by this recall.
The recalled product is Greenhead Lobster fresh cooked lobster meat that was sold frozen or refrigerated in packages ranging from 1 to 2 pounds, or in cases up to 12 pounds. They can be identified by the “best if used by” dates ranging from May 9, 2025 to October 12, 2025 for the frozen products, and May 27th, 2023, to October 30th, 2023, for refrigerated products. This date is on the white label on the front of the package.
The Greenhead lobster meat was distributed in Maine and New Hampshire, then sold nationwide through wholesale distributors. It was also sold nationally through e-commerce. You can see pictures of all of the product labels at the FDA web site.
You can see the table with the product name, product description, and type of packaging at the FDA web site. Some of the recalled products include Fresh Cooked Claw and Knuckle Meat, Frozen Cooked Lobster Tail Meat, Fresh Cooked Lobster Tail, Claw, and Knuckle Meat, and Frozen Cooked Broken Lobster Meat, among others.
If you purchased any of these products, do not eat them, even if you plan to heat it thoroughly, because of the possibility of cross-contamination. Throw the lobster away in a secure trash can, or take it back to the store where you bought it for a full refund.
Then clean your freezer and refrigerator with a mild bleach solution. Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can survive freezing temperatures, and they grow at temperatures below 40°F. Wash your hands with soap and water after cleaning and after handling these items.
If you ate this lobster, monitor yourself for the symptoms of listeriosis for the next 70 days. If you do get sick, see your doctor.
