A major discount supermarket chain is alerting consumers following a recall of green peppers, jalapeños, and green beans across five states.
On Monday, Aldi announced online that it had recalled “Freshire Farms” products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that can sometimes cause fatal infections.
Products Affected
The recall affects 8-ounce bags of jalapeños (UPC number 4099100087680) and 16-ounce three-pack bags of green peppers (UPC number 4099100087598).
It also includes 16-ounce bags of green beans (UPC number 4099100087826).
Recall Limited to Select States
Aldi has over 2,000 stores nationwide.
However, this recall is limited to products sold in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Reason for Recall
The company stated that the recall was initiated “in cooperation with Wiers Farm, Inc. and R.S. Hanline Co Inc.”
It was done “out of an abundance of caution.”
Customer Precautions
“ALDI puts the safety and integrity of the products it sells first. If customers have products affected by this recall, they are advised to discard it immediately or return it to their local store for a full refund,” the recall notice reads.
“ALDI sincerely regrets the inconvenience and concern caused as a result of this recall,” it adds.
Contact Information
Customers with questions or concerns about the recall can contact R.S. Hanline Co Inc. at 1-888-484-4834 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
While it is unclear if any illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall, those experiencing symptoms after consuming the products should seek medical attention.
Risks of Listeriosis
Listeriosis is an infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
It can lead to severe symptoms even in healthy individuals.
1,600 Annual Cases
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are an estimated 1,600 annual cases.
About 260 of these cases are fatal.
Symptoms and Progression of Listeriosis
Freepik
Many infections are limited to the digestive system, causing symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting within 24 hours of consuming contaminated food.
However, a more invasive form can develop within two weeks.
Invasive Listeriosis Symptoms
Symptoms of invasive listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.
About one in 20 nonpregnant people with the invasive form die from the illness.
Dangers for Pregnant Women
For pregnant individuals, symptoms are usually mild or non-existent.
However, an invasive illness “usually leads to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn,” according to the CDC.
Common Triggers for Food Recalls
Food recalls due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes are relatively common.
Recalls are also frequently triggered by pathogens like salmonella or norovirus, as well as concerns about undeclared allergens.
