Trader Joes Branded Frozen Edamame Imported from Asia Recalled for Potential Listeria

Trader Joe's frozen edamame (soy beans) is being recalled for potential Listeria contamination. The product was imported form southeast Asia through Tesoros Trading Company / Food Company.  The notice does not provide information on how the issue was discovered.

Not much information on Tesoros Trading Company, but likely linked to Teroros Foods.  While certain lots are listed, there would be concern for other lots or products packed in the same facility, especially if the packer did not have a robust Listeria control program.  As part of the importer's FSVP , they would have needed to identify Listeria as a hazard and then had sufficient verification support that the packer had adequate and verifiable environmental controls in place.

Tesoros Trading Company Recalls Product Because of Possible Health Risk

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tesoros-trading-company-recalls-product-because-possible-health-risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:December 16, 2020
FDA Publish Date: December 16, 2020
Product Type: Food & Beverages Vegetable Protein Product
Reason for Announcement: Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: Tesoros Trading Company
Brand Name: Trader Joe’s
Product Description: Frozen Lightly Salted Edamame

Company Announcement

Tesoros Trading Co. from Las Vegas, NV is recalling certain codes of frozen “Trader Joe’s Lightly Salted Edamame” 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, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled "Trader Joe’s Lightly Salted Edamame” were sold at Trader Joe’s retail stores only in the Arizona, Southern California, Southern Nevada, and Utah regions. All affected product has been removed from sale and destroyed.

The product comes in a 16 ounce plastic package and is stamped on the back bottom portion of the package with lots:

22LA102 M

or

22LA102 N

or

22LA102 P

The company has removed the affected lots from distribution as the FDA and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem.

Consumers who have purchased 16 ounce packages of "Trader Joe’s Lightly Salted Edamame" with the affected codes are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (702)706-5263 Monday-Friday 8am - 4:30pm PST.