Ready-To-Eat Veggie Products Sold At Kroger In 3 States Recalled Over Listeria Concerns

A company is recalling various ready-to-eat vegetable products because of a possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The products were sold at Kroger stores in three states.

The recall was initiated after a "single sample" of a product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, according to the GHGA company announcement on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. This affects quite a few ready-to-eat vegetable products, including the 3 Skewer Veggie Kebabs, Mild Guacamole Blender, Mexican Style Layered Bean Dip, Medium Hatch Salsa, Seasoned Squash Onion & Dill, Fajita Mix and Small Ranch Tray With Dip.

The full list of the recalled products, including the UPCs, sell-by dates and lot codes customers should look out for, are available on the FDA website as well as this recall announcement from Kroger. Photos of the recalled products are also provided in the FDA announcement.

The products were reportedly sold to Kroger and distributed to the retail stores on Sept. 11. The sell-by dates of the products vary from Sept. 15, 17, 18 and 19, thus are no longer available for sale in stores. However, the recall was initiated in case consumers still have them in their homes.

The products were sold "primarily" in Kroger stores in Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia. They would have been in the deli or product section. Those who find that they are in the possession of a recalled product are being advised not to consume them.

"Please return the product to this store for a full refund," Kroger noted. "We are sorry for this inconvenience. Your safety is important to us."

Those with questions about the recall may contact the company at (888) 449-9386.

Listeriosis

Listeria monocytogenes can cause Listeriosis if someone ingests contaminated food. Each year, some 1,600 people in the U.S. get Listeriosis, 260 of whom end up dying. In fact, it is estimated to be the "third leading cause of death" from food poisoning, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Older adults, those with weakened immune systems and pregnant people and their newborns are particularly at risk of a listeria infection. In older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems, listeria infection can develop into a severe bloodstream infection or affect other body parts. And while the illness itself tends to be mild in pregnant women, it can cause severe illness in the fetus or newborn and even lead to a miscarriage, stillbirth or premature delivery.

In the case of the current recall, the company is "not aware" of illnesses related to consuming the recalled product.