National Frozen Food Corporation Issues Voluntary Recall on Frozen Peas Over Potential Listeria Contamination

National Frozen Food Corporation has issued a voluntary recall of their Not-Ready-to-Eat frozen mixed vegetables and frozen green peas due to potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.

The recall was made as a safety precaution after the company tested a sample of the products revealing potential contamination of the bacteria. At present, there are no reports of someone being ill due to the recalled items. However, U.S. Food and Drugs Administration are advising consumers to avoid consuming products under the recalled list.

The recalled products are being sold under various brands including Great Value, First Street, Bountiful Harvest, Live Smart, Market Pantry and Sprouts Farmers Market. These products were distributed in the market between September 2, 2015 and June 2, 2016 and can be identified by the date codes printed on the back of the retail sized bag or the side of the master case.

Consumers who may have bought a recalled item can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Lilsteria monocytogenes is an organism known to cause serious and fatal infections to young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals might also suffer short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The bacteria can also cause miscarriage and stillbirth in pregnant women.

Listeria infection can be treated with antibiotics. However, older adults and persons with other serious medical problems might die due to the bacteria even with prompt treatment.

Most healthcare providers believe that there is no need for tests and treatment if the person infected with Listeria does not present any known symptoms, even for a person who are at high risk for the Listeria infection.

Symptoms of Listeria infection include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions in addition to fever and muscle aches. Pregnant women may experience fever and non-specific symptoms including fatigues and aches.

According to the report of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bout 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths are due to Listeria infection occurs in the United States annually.