Trader's Joe Recall 2019: Growers Express Vegetables Ordered Back Over Listeria Risk

California-based Growers Express is recalling a number of its fresh vegetable products sold under the Green Giant Fresh, Trader Joe's and Signature Farms brands for possible contamination with the bacteria called listeria.

Listeria causes listeriosis, an infection derived from eating food contaminated with the bacteria. Listeriosis can cause serious illness in pregnant women, newborns, adults with weakened immune systems and the elderly. Symptoms of listeriosis include high fever, diarrhea, headaches, stiffness, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Growers Express is recalling butternut squash, cauliflower, zucchini and select butternut squashed-based veggie bowls sold under the three brands. No Green Giant canned or frozen vegetables are affected, however.

The recalled produce was sold in more than 25 states, including Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. The voluntary recall notice was posted Monday on the website of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The notice said one sample was tested positive for listeria by the Massachusetts Department of Health. There have been no reported illnesses resulting from the recalled produce. Growers Express said the recalled produce came from one of its production facilities in Biddeford, Maine.

Most of the recalled produce carry a “Best if Used By” date of June 26 through June 29.

More specifically, the recall includes Trader Joe’s 10.5 ounce packages of Butternut Squash Spirals (lot number 190614-403565 and best-by date of 6/28/2019), and 10.5 ounce packages of Trader Joe’s Zucchini Spirals (number 190617-403814 and a best-by date of 6/27/2019).

“The safety of our consumers is our first priority,” said Growers Express President Tom Byrne.

“We self reported the need for this recall to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and stopped production immediately after being notified of a single positive sample by the Massachusetts Department of Health.”

Customers in possession of the affected products are advised to throw them away and not use them. Refunds can be requested via the toll-free number listed on the package.