Deadly bacteria fears: 9 frozen food products recalled from major supermarkets
A deadly bacterial outbreak has led to the urgent recall of nine frozen food products.
Major supermarkets - IGA, Aldi and Woolworths – have recalled a range of frozen corn, peas, carrots and mixed vegetables from shelves after a listeria outbreak in Europe killed nine people and left dozens sick.
The pulled products include brands Black and Gold, Bell Farms, Market Fare and Essentials.
Shoppers are urged not to eat the products and to return to the place of purchase for a refund.
Although the risk is low for healthy adults with most patients suffering flu-like symptoms, listeria monocytogenes is a major risk to pregnant women, the elderly and people with weak immune system.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand chief executive Peter May confirmed the precautionary recall of 10 frozen vegetable products due to the possible presence of listeria and warned Australians to check their freezers.
“While many people will follow cooking instructions properly, which should kill listeria bacteria, we are aware that some people eat frozen vegetables straight from the freezer and there is a risk of some people not cooking produce properly,” he said.
Those who have eaten the product and feel unwell should seek medical treatment.
European distributor Greenyard Frozen Belgium NV issued the recall today after an outbreak was traced to Belgium and Hungary.
The products being recalled in Australia include:
- Woolworths: Essentials snap frozen mixed veg 1kg: carrots, peas, corn, green beans and potatoes. National distribution, best before 19 March 2020 - 24 April 2020;
- Woolworths: Bell Farms Steam Veggie Carrot Corn and Broccoli 3pk 450g. National distribution, all stock.
- IGA: Black & Gold Corn Kernels 500g bags.
- IGA: Black & Gold Mixed Vegetables 1kg: Carrots, peas, beans & corn
- ALDI: Market Fare Peas, Carrots and Super Sweet Corn 1kg
- ALDI: Market Fare Corn Kernels 1kg. QLD, VIC, WA and selected NSW stores - product of Hungary only
- ALDI: Market Fare Mixed Vegetables 1kg. QLD, NSW, ACT, WA - packed in Belgium from Imported and Belgian Ingredients (only)
- ALDI: Market Fare Quick Steam Carrot Broccoli and Cauliflower 450g. National distribution, only products with country of origin of Belgium, United Kingdom or Hungary, all other countries not affected.
- ALDI: Only products with country of origin of Belgium, United Kingdom or Hungary, all other countries not affected.
Source: Food Standards Australia New Zealand