Frozen Vegetables Recalled for Non-Contact Listeria Positive Sample

Greystone Foods is recalling frozen vegetables due to the potential for Listeria.  This recall is connected to the Inventure Foods recall.

The interesting thing about this recall, at least what was written in the FDA Recall Notice (below), is that the Listeria was found on a non-contact surface.  In this section from the notice:

"The potential for contamination was noted after we were informed by our supplier that an area of their facility where the field peas with snaps were blended tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes on a non-food contact surface."

While there is no detail on what 'non-contact surface' was tested, there is no regulatory requirement (FDA Listeria Guidance) to recall based upon a positive finding on a non-contact surface.  Listeria can and often will be found in a facility, but as long as it is in control, more specifically, prevented from getting into food, the risk should be minimal.  Especially for products that have cooking instructions listed on the package. 

This has received a lot of attention in this sector of the industry.  Was it an overly cautious move, or were there other contributing factors?  One may be that many frozen vegetables are being used without cooking, including when used in salad or juice blends.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm444548.htm
Greystone Foods, LLC voluntarily recalls Today’s Harvest Field Peas with Snaps, Silver Queen Corn, and Broccoli Florets due to possible health risk.

Contact: Consumer: 1-205-945-9099

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — April 24, 2015 — Greystone Foods, LLC voluntarily recalls Today’s Harvest Field Peas with Snaps, Silver Queen Corn, and Broccoli Florets with the sell by date 04/21/16 shipped to Publix Supermarkets warehouse in Lakeland, FL warehouse due to possible health risk.

Greystone Foods, LLC of Birmingham, Alabama is recalling any Today’s Harvest frozen Field Peas with Snaps, Broccoli Florets, and Silver Queen Corn with the sell by date of 04/21/16 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes , an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Greystone Foods, LLC voluntarily recalls Today’s Harvest Field Peas with Snaps, Silver Queen Corn, and Broccoli Florets with the sell by date 04/21/16 shipped to Publix Supermarkets warehouse in Lakeland, FL warehouse due to possible health risk. To the best of our knowledge, none of these items left their warehouse. In an abundance of caution, Publix has decided to remove these items from their stores. No other grocers are involved in this recall.

These products come in 32 ounce clear plastic bags and are located in the freezer section of Publix. The sell by date of 04/21/16 is printed along the bottom seal of the bag in black ink.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was noted after we were informed by our supplier that an area of their facility where the field peas with snaps were blended tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes on a non-food contact surface. All products involved in this recall were quickly identified and removed from commerce.

If any customers find packages with the sell by date of 04/21/16 we urge them to return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund. Consumers with questions may call 1-205-945-9099.