TreeHouse Foods Inc. expands its recall of frozen waffles and pancakes due to potential listeria contamination, affecting major retailers across the United States.
At a Glance
- Recall now includes all waffle and pancake products from a specific facility
- Affected brands include Great Value, Good & Gather, and Kodiak
- Products have “best by” dates ranging from October 1, 2024, to April 2026
- No confirmed illnesses reported, but consumers advised to check freezers
- Listeria can cause severe infections, especially in high-risk groups
Expanded Recall Affects Major Retailers
TreeHouse Foods Inc. has significantly broadened its product recall due to potential listeria contamination. The company’s action now encompasses all waffle and pancake products manufactured at a specific facility, expanding beyond the initial recall of certain waffle items. This recall impacts frozen food products distributed under popular brands found in major U.S. retailers such as Walmart, Target, Kroger, and others.
The recall affects a wide range of products, including frozen toaster waffles, Belgian waffles, and pancakes. Specific items like Always Save Buttermilk Pancakes, Best Choice Chocolate Chip Waffles, and Kodiak Cakes Vanilla Buttermilk Waffles are among those listed. The affected products have “best by” dates ranging from October 1, 2024, to April 2026, with specific lot codes starting with 2C.
RECALL: A voluntary recall of over 400 varieties of frozen waffles and pancake products from Treehouse Foods, Inc. Oak Brook, IL. due to possible #Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Check your freezer! For updated press release and product list: https://t.co/adXHIk4mwe pic.twitter.com/KfksnGEd9Y— U.S. FDA Human Foods Program (@FDAfood) October 22, 2024
Consumer Safety and Health Concerns
While no confirmed illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled items, the potential health risks associated with listeria contamination are significant. No reported illnesses may be because it takes a few days for symptoms to show and the person who becomes ill doesn’t make the connection to the waffles. Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious illness that is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and gastrointestinal distress. In severe cases, invasive listeriosis can be fatal, especially for non-pregnant individuals. Pregnant individuals may experience mild symptoms, but the infection can lead to serious pregnancy complications.
Actions for Consumers
Consumers are strongly advised to check their freezers for any of the recalled products. If found, these items should be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. It’s important to note that freezing does not kill listeria bacteria.
“Unfortunately, cold temperatures won’t kill listeria”
For those concerned about potential exposure or experiencing symptoms, consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended. TreeHouse Foods has established a consumer affairs hotline at 800-596-2903 for those seeking additional information about the recall.
Company Response and Future Actions
TreeHouse Foods has stated that they are addressing the root cause of the contamination and plan to resume production soon. The recall was issued with the FDA’s knowledge, demonstrating the company’s commitment to consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety measures and the need for vigilance in our food supply chain. As consumers, staying informed about product recalls and taking prompt action when necessary is crucial for protecting our health and well-being.
