Hundreds of frozen waffle products are being pulled from store shelves across the U.S. and Canada due to concerns over possible listeria contamination.
The waffles, produced by TreeHouse Foods in Brantford, Ontario, are sold under popular brands such as Walmart’s Great Value and Target’s Good & Gather. Consumers are urged to dispose of or return affected products.
The recall was issued after TreeHouse Foods discovered potential listeria contamination during routine testing at its manufacturing facility.
Although no illnesses have been reported, the company took precautionary measures by recalling the waffles and notifying the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
The affected products are sold under multiple private label brands.
This includes Walmart, Target, No Name, Compliments, Selection, and Western Family.
Retailers and consumers can check the UPC, Lot Code, and Best By Date on the cartons to identify whether their waffles are part of the recall.
While typically mild, Listeria infections can cause severe illness in vulnerable populations.
These populations include pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeria include fever, diarrhea, headaches, and nausea. The infection can lead to more serious complications like miscarriages and stillbirths.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
About 1,600 people are infected with listeria each year in the U.S., and 260 of those cases result in death. TreeHouse Foods is advising consumers to be vigilant and discard or return the recalled waffles to stores for a refund.
The full list of recalled products is available on the company’s website, along with photos of the affected items.
Consumers with questions can contact TreeHouse Foods’ customer service at 800-596-2903 during regular business hours for assistance and view the list of affected items here.
This recall highlights the importance of food safety protocols and the necessity of routine testing at food production facilities.
TreeHouse Foods acted swiftly to prevent potential health risks to consumers, and federal agencies in both countries closely monitored the situation.
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The recall has prompted both the FDA and CFIA to remind consumers of the dangers of listeria and to take all food recalls seriously.
If you suspect any of the frozen waffles in your freezer might be affected, it’s best to err on the side of caution and dispose of them immediately.
Though no illnesses have been reported so far, TreeHouse Foods and food regulators on both sides of the border are continuing to investigate the situation.
Consumers are encouraged to stay informed and regularly check for updates regarding the recall.
Food safety is a critical priority, and recalls like this serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance.
While most products are safe, occasional recalls underscore the need to stay informed and act quickly when issues arise.
By following recall guidelines and practicing caution, consumers can help ensure the well-being of their households. TreeHouse Foods and regulators are working to address the issue, emphasizing that food safety is a shared responsibility.
