Frozen Waffle Products Recalled Due To Possible Listeria Contamination; Know How It Impacts Your Health

Hundreds of frozen waffle products sold in leading retailers are being recalled because of possible contamination by the listeria bacteria, according to the manufacturer. TreeHouse Foods said that it issued a voluntary recall after discovering possible contamination during routine testing at its plant.

It said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Canadian food regulators are aware of the recall. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1,600 people are infected with listeria each year in the United States and 260 die.

According to reports, the recalled waffles are sold under a variety of names including Walmart’s Great Value, Target’s Good & Gather and private label brands sold by Food Lion, Kroger and Schnucks. TreeHouse published a complete list. The company also said there have been no confirmed reports of illness related to the waffles.

The company said consumers holding any of the products should dispose of them or return them to the store for credit.

Listeria infection which is also known as listeriosis is a foodborne illness. Listeria monocytogenes cause listeriosis and it is commonly found in soil, groundwater, rotting vegetation and animal faeces (poop). Most people get infected from eating contaminated foods. It usually takes one to two weeks to show symptoms, however, in some cases, it can be as short as a couple of days or as long as three months.

The infection can be severe for a lot of people, including pregnant women, people older than 65 and people with weakened immune systems. Healthy people rarely get ill but the disease can be deadly for unborn babies and newborns.

Here, take a look at some of the common symptoms of listeria infection.

When the infection spreads to your nervous system, it can cause the following signs and symptoms.

The bacteria is killed by heat, so make sure meat, poultry and seafood are cooked to the appropriate temperatures.

Keep your refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below and your freezer at 0°F (-18°C). Store perishable items, like dairy and meat promptly to prevent bacterial growth.

Wash all fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking.

Avoid raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, hot dogs and smoked seafood as these are common sources of Listeria bacteria.

Clean countertops, cutting boards and utensils with hot and soapy water, especially after handling raw food. This reduces cross-contamination risks.

Consume your leftovers within three to four days. Reheat leftovers to at least 165°F (74°C) before eating to kill any bacteria that may have grown.

Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and ready-to-eat foods like salads and bread.

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