More than a dozen staple summer vegetables, including cucumbers, green bell peppers, and parsley, have been voluntarily recalled due to possible listeria contamination.
Details about Walmart, Aldi vegetable recall
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced this week that Ohio-based Wiers Farm Inc., has expanded its earlier recall to now include additional produce that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Fresh red and green sweet pepper on a cutting board.
STOCK IMAGE/Getty Images
In cooperation with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), Wiers Farm Inc., said in the FDA recall that its investigation into these vegetables came after reports by the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDARD). This expansion is in response to that investigation. Products involved in this expanded recall were packed between July 5-12 (2024). Wiers Farm Inc. is committed to implementing all measures necessary to fully resolve this situation.
As of time of publication, the agency said there have been no illnesses or consumer complaints reported.
Walmart listed the produce recall on its website with a link that directs customers to the announcement from Wiers Farm and the FDA.
In this Sept. 22, 2017, file photo, an Aldi store is shown in New York.
Albany Times Union via Getty Images, FILE
In tandem with the original recall, Aldi issued its own recall notice for customers on Monday, alerting shoppers in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia who may have purchased Freshire Farms jalapeños, green peppers and green beans.
“ALDI puts the safety and integrity of the products it sells first. If customers have products affected by this recall, they are advised to discard it immediately or return it to their local store for a full refund,” the company stated. “ALDI sincerely regrets the inconvenience and concern caused as a result of this recall.”
Recalled vegetable product information
Bulk items sold individually or by the pound at various retailers in impacted states
Anaheim peppers
Cilantro – sold in bunches
Cubanelle peppers
Cucumber – whole
Green beans
Green Bell Pepper
Habanero peppers
Hungarian Wax peppers
Jalapeno peppers
Mixed Vegetable Box (shipped to Cleveland and Youngstown, Ohio Foodbanks only)
Mustard Greens – sold in bunches
Pickling Cucumber
Plain Parsley – sold in bunches
Poblano peppers
Serrano peppers
Tomatillos
Click here for additional distribution information from the FDA on the above produce products.
Walmart
Wiers Farm Bagged Poblano – UPC 073064202581 – 16 oz bag
Wiers Farm Bagged Cubanelle – UPC 073064201836 – 16 oz bag
Wiers Farm Bagged Green Beans – UPC 073064200846 – variable weight bag
Wiers Farm Bagged Salad Cucumber – UPC 073064459619 – 2 lb. bag
Wiers Farm Bagged Serrano – UPC 073064201829 – 4 oz bag
Wiers Farm Organic Bell Pepper – UPC 073064201416 – 2 count tray
Wiers Farm Organic Cucumber – UPC 073064201423 – 2 count tray
Wiers Farm Organic Yellow Squash – UPC 073064201447 – 2 count tray
Wiers Farm Organic Zucchini Squash – UPC 073064201430 – 2 count tray
Aldi
Freshire Farms Bagged Green Beans – 16 oz bag
Freshire Farms Bagged Jalapenos – 8 oz bag
Where recalled vegetables were sold
According to the FDA, the affected produce was sold at select Walmart stores in 15 states: CT, DE, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, and WV.
Produce impacted by the same voluntary recall was also sold at Aldi stores in five of those same states: KY, NY, OH, PA and WV.
What to do with recalled vegetables purchased from Walmart, Aldi
As with any recalled products, the company has urged customers not to eat and to discard any potentially affected produce.
Consumers with questions about this recall may contact Wiers Farm, Inc. directly by phone or email.
Symptoms, side effects of listeria monocytogenes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, listeria can cause severe illness “when the bacteria spread beyond the gut to other parts of the body” after a person consumes contaminated food. Those at higher risk include pregnant people, those aged 65 or older, or anyone who has a weakened immune system, the CDC says.
“If you are pregnant, it can cause pregnancy loss, premature birth, or a life-threatening infection in your newborn,” the CDC states on its website. “Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.”
According to the CDC, anyone infected with listeria may experience “mild food poisoning symptoms” such as diarrhea or fever, and many recover without antibiotic treatment.
Recently, Walmart, Aldi, and Kroger have issued a voluntary recall of certain vegetables and herbs due to potential Listeria contamination. Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
The recall includes various products such as packaged salads, fresh herbs, and cut vegetables that were sold in stores across the United States. The affected products were distributed by various suppliers and may have been sold under different brand names.
Listeria contamination can occur during the growing, harvesting, processing, or packaging of food products. Symptoms of Listeria infection can include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system and cause symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are advised to dispose of them immediately or return them to the store for a full refund. It is important to thoroughly wash hands, utensils, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated products to prevent the spread of Listeria.
To stay informed about product recalls and food safety alerts, consumers can sign up for email notifications from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or visit the FDA website for updates on recalls and outbreaks.
It is crucial for retailers and suppliers to take swift action in recalling potentially contaminated products to protect the health and safety of consumers. By being proactive in addressing food safety concerns, companies can help prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and maintain trust with their customers.
In conclusion, the recent recall of vegetables and herbs at Walmart, Aldi, and Kroger serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the need for vigilance in monitoring and addressing potential contamination issues. Consumers should always be cautious when purchasing and consuming food products and follow proper hygiene practices to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
