TreeHouse Foods Inc. is recalling hundreds of flavors of frozen waffles after tests showed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The recalled products were distributed throughout the United States and Canada and packaged in various sizes under the various brand names. Consumers and retailers can use the list of product keys provided here to identify the recalled waffles.
TreeHouse Foods posted an 85-page document with photos of the recalled waffles. The photos can be found here. The recalled waffles are packaged under many different brand names, including but not limited to Great Value, Best Choice, Always Save, Food Lion, Giant Eagle, Hannaford and Simple Truth.
The Listeria contamination was discovered during routine testing at the production facility. Freezing temperatures do not kill the pathogen.
At the time the recall notice was posted, no confirmed illnesses had been reported to the company. However, it can take up to 70 days after consuming contaminated food for symptoms of Listeria infection to appear.
Consumers should check their freezers for recalled products and discard them or return the recalled product to the place of purchase for credit. Consumers with questions can contact the company at 800-596-2903.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell putrid, but it can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten recalled waffles and developed symptoms of a Listeria infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about the possible exposure to Listeria.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms in the coming weeks, as it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of a Listeria infection may include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headaches, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are needed to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other diseases.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children and people such as cancer patients with weakened immune systems are at particular risk of serious illness, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to preterm labor, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
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