A frozen pasta product sold at Walmart stores across the country is being recalled after testing found that certain packages could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Gias Foods, Inc., based in New York, announced the recall involving two lots of bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine. The recall was announced September 15 and applies to products distributed nationwide through Walmart stores, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The affected frozen meals come in 22-ounce yellow plastic packages. Consumers are being urged to check for UPC 194346442706 and lot numbers L6079C or L6080C. The two lots carry expiration dates of September 19, 2027, and September 20, 2027, which are stamped on the back of the packaging.
No illnesses linked to the recalled product had been reported as of the company’s announcement.
The potential contamination was discovered through routine sampling conducted by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Testing indicated that finished products could contain Listeria monocytogenes, prompting Gias Foods to stop distributing the affected pasta while the company and federal regulators investigate the source of the problem.
Listeria can pose serious health risks, particularly for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women also face heightened risks because an infection can result in miscarriage or stillbirth.
Healthy people who become infected can experience short-term symptoms including high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. More serious infections can occur among people in higher-risk groups.
Because the pasta was distributed nationwide and has expiration dates stretching into September 2027, shoppers are being encouraged to check their freezers even if they purchased the product some time ago.
Consumers who find one of the recalled packages should not eat it. Gias Foods is asking customers to return the affected pasta to the place where it was purchased to receive a full refund.
The recall specifically covers the two identified lots of bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine and does not apply to every bettergoods pasta product sold by Walmart. Walmart’s corporate recall page also lists the Gias Foods action among its current food recalls.
The bettergoods brand was launched by Walmart as a private-label food line and includes a broad selection of frozen meals and other grocery products. The current recall, however, centers specifically on the affected Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine packages.
Gias Foods said distribution of the recalled lots has been stopped while investigators continue working to determine what caused the possible contamination.
Customers with additional questions about the recall can contact Gias Foods. The company provided an email address and telephone number through the FDA notice for consumers seeking more information.
For now, shoppers with the frozen fettuccine at home are being advised to check the UPC, lot number and expiration date before consuming it and return any matching packages for a refund.
Continue reading...
[ H/T Trending Politics ]
