Butter Sold At Wegmans In These States Recalled Over Listeria Risk

Certain tubs of butter sold at Wegmans stores are being recalled because of a possible Listeria risk. The affected products were available in seven states and Washington, D.C.

The problem with the recalled tubs of "Wegmans Lemon Dill Finishing Butter" is that they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the company announcement on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.

Colorado-based Epicurean Butter learned of the problem after being informed by its herb supplier that "certain lots" of frozen dill may be contaminated with listeria "based upon a test from one of the supplier's food manufacturing customers in Canada that used the ingredient in one of their finished products."

The recall affects 3.5-ounce tubs of "Wegmans Lemon Dill Finishing Butter" that were distributed at Wegmans Food Markets in New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia and Washington, D.C., the FDA noted.

The products came in black plastic cups and had the item number 44324 and the UPC code 0 77890 44324 8. Customers may find the affected lot numbers and expiration dates on the FDA website.

The company clarified that the ones listed are the only ones affected by the recall, which includes a total of 12 lots of the product and affects some 1,000 tubs.

Photos of the products' packaging are available on the FDA website.

"All affected product may be returned at the service desk for a full refund," Wegmans noted on its website.

Those seeking more information about the recall may contact Wegmans Food Markets at 1-855-934-3663.

Listeriosis Risk

People can get a disease called listeriosis if they eat food that's contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the FDA. The severity of the disease may vary as people considered "healthy" may suffer "short-term" symptoms, but it can be serious or even fatal in certain groups of people such as the elderly, people who are immunocompromised and those with chronic diseases.

It is also "particularly dangerous" for pregnant women since the infection may lead to pregnancy complications, miscarriage, stillbirth, or even "severe health complications" in newborns.

In the case of the current recall, there have been no reported illnesses related to the issue as of the recall announcement.