Frozen Cauliflower Recall Issued Over Listeria Food Poisoning Risks

Concerns over listeria contamination has resulted in a recall of frozen cauliflower sold in three states, which may increase the risk of food poisoning.

The FDA announced a frozen cauliflower recall on November 24, impacting TJ Farms Select brands distributed in 16 ounce bags.

Although no reported cases of listeria poisoning have been linked to the cauliflower, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture found the bacteria that may cause the illness during random testing of a sample of cauliflower at Flagship Food Group’s location.

TJ Farms Cauliflower with lot codes 2077890089 and UPC code 75544000604-3 are impact4ed by the recall, which were imported from China and distributed in Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin. No other TJ Farms Select foods or products manufactured by Flagship Food Group are included in the recall.

The Listeria monocytogenes organism can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, posing a particularly serious risk for persons with weakened immune systems. However, even healthy individuals can suffer side effects, including short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Among pregnant women, listeria monocytogenes infections can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.

Listeria poisoning symptoms usually start one to four weeks after eating food contaminated with the bacteria, but can start the same day or even up to 70 days after consumption. In some cases, severe illness may result if the bacteria spreads beyond the gut to other areas of the body. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise speaking with a doctor if you experience any symptoms of headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, fever and muscle aches after eating the contaminated product.

The manufacturer and FDA recommend any customers with affected frozen cauliflower should not consume it, and should throw it away.

Consumers can contact Flagship Food Group with questions or concerns regarding the recall at 800-292-9600.