Frozen Peas Recalls Raises Listeria Concerns For Products in Freezers Nationwide

Packages of frozen peas stored in the freezers of consumers throughout the United States may pose a risk of individuals suffering a severe form of food poisoning known as listeriosis, leading to a nationwide recall for products sold by National Frozen Foods Corporation.

The frozen peas recall was announced by the FDA on June 17, after testing indicated that some packages of the “Not-Ready-To Eat” frozen green peas and frozen mixed vegetables may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

This bacteria may cause a severe and potentially life-threatening form of food poisoning, raising long-term concerns since many consumers may keep the frozen products in their freezers for long periods of time without realizing there has been a recall. So far, no illnesses have been directly linked to the recalled frozen peas.

The recall affects products sold under a variety of brand names, including Bountiful Harvest Green Peas, First Street Green Peas, Great Value Mixed Vegetables, Great Value Sweet Peas, Great Value Steamable Mixed Vegetables, Live Smart Mixed Vegetables, Market Pantry Mixed Vegetables, Market Pantry Steam-In-Bag Mixed Vegetables, Market Pantry Sweet Peas, and Sprouts Farmers Market Mixed Vegetables.

In addition, a number of other recalls were announced by companies who were supplied frozen peas by National Frozen Foods, including a HelloFresh frozen peas recall, a Zupan’s Markets macaroni salad with cheddar cheese recall, a Whole Foods Market Green Cuisine pesto pasta salad with arugula recall, and am Essential Foods Four Flavors of Globespun Gourmet Wraps recall. All were announced the same week as the National Frozen Foods recall..

The frozen vegetables were distributed in retail stores nationwide between September 2, 2015 and June 2, 2016.

Listeria can cause serious, sometimes fatal infections in young children, the frail or elderly people and those with weakened immune systems. People infected with Listeria will often suffer only short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The National Frozen Foods recall doesn’t include products distributed to food service accounts in bulk containers and recalled products distributed to food services accounts in Canada and Japan. Products affected by the recall can be identified using data codes printed on the back of the retail bag or side of the master case.

Customers who have purchased products affected by the recall should return the frozen vegetable product to the store for a full refund. Consumers with questions can contact National Frozen Foods Corporation by calling 1-800-253-8269.