Gias Foods, Inc., is expanding a previous recall to now include every lot code of Bettergoods brand Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine over fears the product could be contaminated with listeria, an alert from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Thursday. The frozen recalled pasta was distributed across the country to Walmart stores.
All lot code numbers are now being recalled, and the product is packaged in 22-ounce yellow plastic, with a UPC number of 194346442706. There have been no reported illnesses related to the recalled pasta, the alert says. Numerous recalls have been issued this year across the country due to the potential for damage, foodborne illness, contamination, lack of inspection or undeclared food allergens.
Recently, federal officials also announced a recent recall from Star Meat Delivery Inc. impacting about 167,639 pounds of raw beef, pork and goat because the goods were produced without federal inspection. When reached by Newsweek for comment, a communications representative for Walmart said, "Safety is a top priority. When notified of recalls, we move quickly to remove the impacted products from our stores and implement a sales block at registers and online.
We are working closely with our supplier, and customers who have this should discontinue use and follow the recall instructions." Newsweek reached out to Gias Foods, Inc., via email Friday for additional information. According to the alert, the recall followed routine sampling by both the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which flagged that the finished product could contain the bacteria. "The company has ceased the distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem," the alert added.
Last month, the product was given a Class I designation. The FDA describes Class I as "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death." People who have purchased the recalled frozen pasta are urged to return it to the original place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with additional questions may contact the company via email at [email protected], the alert says.
The FDA warns that Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that could potentially cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in people with weakened immune systems, those who are frail or older adults, and children. It could also cause miscarriages or stillbirths in pregnant women and short-term symptoms for healthy people could include high fever, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, severe headache and stiffness. The latest recall update impacting the frozen pasta comes amid heightened fears and attention to foodborne illnesses and recalls, including national cases of salmonella and cyclospora.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
