Minnesota Company Recalls Hundreds of Food Products Over Listeria Contamination
A Minnesota company is recalling peanut butter, cheese, salsa, and spreads that are distributed nationwide under the brand names Happy Farms, Parkers, Parker Farms, Central Markets, Hy-Top, Amish Classic, Say Cheez, Win Schuler, and Bucky Badger. The products are apparently contaminated with Listeria, which authorities discovered in some samples.
Listeria: A Bacteria Especially Deadly for Some
Listeria is a bacteria that is particularly dangerous to pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. It is rarely deadly for most, although symptoms can be unpleasant including fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. If you believe you are ill from eating one of the contaminated products, you should immediately contact your health care provider.
No Reports of Illness According to Minnesota Dept of Agriculture
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture announced today that there have been no reports of illness and that the company is currently working with authorities to resolve the problem. The items were sold at Hy-Vee, Cub, Rainbow, Byerly’s, Lunds, Target, Whole Foods, Price Chopper, Nash Finch, Costco, ALDI, Wal-Mart and Brookshire stores. Unfortunately, this is the second recall for the company related to a possible Listeria contamination of its products. In 2010, the company had a similar recall, although no illnesses were reported. However, the company was ultimately fined $1,900 for adulterated food, failing to adequately train and supervise employees, and for losing control of its manufacturing process. The company was also required to repay the state $46,000 in lab testing costs.
