Kroger, one of the largest supermarket chains in the U.S., has issued a recall of two types of deli pasta salads following concerns over possible contamination. The recall specifically affects the “Basil Pesto Bowtie Salad” and “Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad,” as reported by CBS News.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted the company about potential risks from Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause severe illness. These products were sold across numerous Kroger stores nationwide, as well as affiliated supermarkets. Customers who purchased these items are urged to take precautionary measures to avoid potential health risks.
Potential Health Risks: What Is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can lead to Listeriosis, a serious infection, particularly dangerous for certain groups of people. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) highlights that the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
Symptoms of infection may range from mild flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue, to severe conditions like seizures or a stiff neck. In extreme cases, Listeria can cause death.
Symptoms typically begin within a few days of consuming contaminated food. In more severe cases, Listeriosis can spread beyond the digestive system, leading to complications like meningitis. Pregnant women who contract Listeria may experience miscarriage or stillbirth, while their babies may suffer from serious health problems. This recall is crucial as it aims to prevent these potential health risks by removing the contaminated products from the market.
The Affected Products and Recall Details
The two recalled pasta salad varieties—Basil Pesto Bowtie Salad and Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad—were manufactured by Nate’s Fine Foods in Roseville, California. The recall affects a large number of Kroger Family of Stores across 1,860 locations nationwide, including stores like Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, King Soopers, Payless, Ralphs, and Smith’s. These stores serve customers in 34 states, from Alaska to West Virginia.
The pasta salads were sold between August 29 and October 2. Kroger was notified of the contamination risk on September 26 and received further information about the recall on October 1, prompting the company to take swift action.
As the contamination likely occurred during the production phase at Nate’s Fine Foods, consumers who purchased these salads are urged to avoid consumption immediately.
Consumer Action: Return Recalled Products for a Refund
If you’ve recently bought either of these recalled pasta salad varieties from a Kroger store or another affiliated location, it’s crucial that you do not consume them. The affected products are easy to identify as they are sold in clear plastic bowls with lids, displaying the product names prominently on the label. You can return these products to the store for a full refund, no questions asked.
Kroger has been working closely with the FDA and the CDC to ensure that all impacted products are removed from store shelves as soon as possible. They are also advising customers to check their refrigerators for any of the recalled items and to dispose of them immediately if found.
The affected products were sold at Kroger Family of Stores in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. Kroger’s swift action aims to prevent any further spread of Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
