Listeria Contamination Leads to Publix Cake Recall

A recall has been issued for 45 varieties of cake products sold at Publix stores, after the manufacturer determined that they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogens, which may pose a risk of serious and potentially fatal health consequences.  

The Publix cake recall was posted by the FDA on November 15, after Maplehurst, a supplier of Publix Food Markets, announced some of their products may be contaminated with Listeria.

The cake products were distributed between November 11 and November 15, to Publix stores in the following Florida counties: Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Flagler, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia.

Although no cases of listeria food poisoning have been reported to date, the recalled cake products are no longer available on store shelves and consumers with these products are being directed to return them to the nearest Publix Food Market for a full refund.

The recall affects a wide variety of cakes, including 7-inch German chocolate, Black Forest, Ripple cakes and others. There are 45 varieties total affected by the recall. For a full list of recalled products and ID numbers please visit the recall notice.

Listeria infections pose a serious risk to young children and the elderly due to a weakened immune system. For pregnant women, listeriosis can pose a serious risk of miscarriages and still births.

In many cases, individuals do not experience symptoms immediately, which may involve fever, muscle aches, nausea or diarrhea. In more severe cases, listeria poisoning may lead to meningitis, mental changes, brain abscesses, or death.

While listeria illness is one of the rarer forms of food poisoning, it frequently results in hospitalization and about a quarter of those who contract the illness die from the infection.

Consumers with questions can call the Publix Customer Care Center at (800_ 242-1227 or visit the company’s website at www.publix.com.

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