Multiple Hummus Brands Recalled For Listeria Normally Sold At Major Retailers Including Target and Walmart

Three brands of hummus produced by refrigerated foods manufacturer House of Thaller have been recalled by the FDA for possibly containing listeria. The brands in question — Fresh Foods Market, Lantana and Marketside — are sold across the United States at major retailers such as Target and Walmart, among other stores.

The Knoxville, Tennessee-based company voluntarily recalled their hummus products after HVF Inc. — its ingredient supplier — told House of Thaller that pine nuts within the dips could be contaminated, according to the FDA's report.

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"In June, we were notified by HVF, Inc., an ingredient supplier, of a recall involving Roasted Pine Nuts. HVF, Inc. supplied the Roasted Pine Nuts used to create the Topping/Garnish for selected varieties of Hummus with Pine Nut Topping," House of Thaller told the FDA Monday. "Routine sampling of a different item produced by the supplier for a different company revealed positive Listeria Monocytogenes findings. HVF, Inc. is recalling all products made in their facility during the time of the potential contamination."

Listeria — also known as listeria monocytogenes — is a bacteria organism found in contaminated foods. It can cause listeriosis, a disease roughly 1600 people acquire annually and 260 people die from, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of listeriosis may include headache, confusion, high fever, nausea, muscle aches, diarrhea, stiffness and loss of balance.

Pregnant women, newborns, the elderly and people with weak immune systems are at a disadvantage with listeriosis. CDC notes that the infection has the ability to target these demographics in particular. However, listeriosis can be treated with the use of antibiotics.

House of Thaller's website states that they "utilize a total control system that takes into account every step in the manufacturing process," and it's not clear how the pine nuts became contaminated.

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"No other brands or flavor varieties produced at our manufacturing plant are affected by this recall," the manufacturer told the FDA. "We are dedicated to our customer satisfaction and will be refilling store shelves as quickly as possible."

Prior to the recall, the products had been distributed nationwide to designated retailers from April 18 to June 13, according to the FDA. They were also distributed April 20 in Canada.

Consumers can check their hummus products for the recall number by looking at the code printed at the top of the container. It will begin with the "use by" date, followed by the letter "W" and a seven digit code number.

To identify the three hummus products, they come in a clear, 10oz cup. The round cup will have either a clear or colored lid.

At this time, no illnesses have been reported on the recalled hummus brands to the FDA. However, individuals with questions about the recall are encouraged to call House of Thaller's customer service line at 855-215-5142. A representative will be available to speak with consumers weekdays between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST.

For more information, head to the official FDA press release here.