Spiral-Cut Vegetable Product Recalled After Sample Tests Positive for Listeria

A Texas firm is recalling Butternut Spirals (a vegetable noodle) after testing found that a sample was positive for Listeria.  This product was distributed through Whole Foods in 9 different states.

Basically, this product is just vegetables that are shredded into noodles.  The label indicates that it could be cooked, but also can be eater raw.  It is sold as a refrigerated item with an stated Enjoy By date listed, and in this case, February 23rd.  So one would guess that the shelf-life to be at least 10 days, but probably longer because of wide distribution.

This is an excellent of example of a Listeria prone product...refrigerated, ready-to-eat, long distribution chain, vegetables with neutral pH,  no preservatives. and finely cut (so equipment that is more difficult to clean along with more surface areas on the product). 

While this is the only lot currently being recalled, there may be a good chance that additional production lots will be recalled.  Of course it may not be the case if a point source of contamination can be identified that would limit contamination to this one day.

Here is the company website http://veggienoodleco.com/.   Organic.  Fresh.  Some cool dude.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm541997.htm
Veggie Noodle Co. Recalls Butternut Spirals Due to Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
February 15, 2017
Contact
Consumers info@veggienoodleco.com 512-200-3337 x500
Media Mason Arnold 512-200-3337 x500

Announcement
View Product Photos


Veggie Noodle Co. of Austin, Texas is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of Butternut Spirals due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is 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, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled product was distributed to Whole Foods Markets and other retailers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin. The recalled product is packaged in a 10.7oz clear plastic container, has the UPC Code 852287006059 and has an “Enjoy By” date of February 23, 2017 (located on the side of the packaging). Products with other “Enjoy By” dates are not affected. Sold in refrigerated sections of the grocery store. The potential contamination of the Butternut Spirals was found as a result of routine product testing and the recall was initiated by Veggie Noodle Co. out of an abundance of caution.

There are no reported illnesses associated with this recall to date.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled Veggie Noodle Co. Butternut Spirals are urged not to consume it, and either discard the product or return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. For more information about the recall, consumers may contact Veggie Noodle Co. at 512-200-3337 x500 (available 8 am-5pm CST, M-F) or email at info@veggienoodleco.com.