The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a voluntary green bean and squash recall. Following notification from a raw material supplier that routine tests for food contact surfaces tested positive for the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, Southern Specialties Inc. announced the recall for Marketside brand bagged green beans and butternut squash products.
A spokesperson for Southern Specialties Inc. provided the following statement to Red Tricycle via email:
“The health and wellness of those who consume our products is paramount. Anyone who lives in the nine Southern states listed on our website should check to see if they have the recalled bags. No illnesses have been linked to this recall, but we are still asking that people not consume and instead dispose of or return the recalled products to the place of purchase. We regret that disposing of or returning the recalled product may be inconvenient, but food safety is our priority.”
If you bought one of the affected products, or think you may have, read on for more information.
photo: Courtesy of Southern Specialties, Inc.
Recall Description: Marketside Bagged Green Beans and Butternut Squash
The current recall includes Marketside brand bagged green beans in 32-ounce and 12-ounce packages as well as bagged butternut squash in 16-ounce packages. The full list of recalled UPC codes, use by dates and lot codes is available from the FDA website here.
Why the Bagged Veggies Were Recalled
Following routine testing, a raw materials supplier (used by Southern Specialties Inc.) notified the company of the presence of Listeria monocytogenes on food preparation surfaces. Listeria monocytogenes is a potentially harmful bacteria that can cause diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, stiffness and headaches. The bacteria can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.
How to Tell If Your Marketside Product Is Part of the Recall
Visit the FDA’s website for the full product and code listings to verify whether you have the affected products or not. While most of the recalled veggies were retrieved prior to retail distribution, some may have reached stores in the following southern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
What Parents Can Do
If you have one of the recalled Marketside products don’t eat it. Throw out the veggies or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions or concerns can reach Southern Specialties Inc. at 1-954-876-2453 or by visiting the company’s website.
—Erica Loop
Featured photo: Karolina Grabowska via Foodiesfeed
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