More frozen vegetables recalled amid listeria fears
More frozen vegetables have been recalled amid fears of a possible listeria contamination.
The NSW Food Authority confirmed on Wednesday that Metcash has recalled 1kg Black & Gold Mixed Vegetables from all IGA, Campbells and Independent Grocers across NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.
Shoppers have been advised to check their freezers for all stock, no matter what the date is, and destroy or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
It comes less than one month after 10 frozen vegetable products were recalled, after a fatal Victorian listeria case was linked to a European strain of the disease.
The patient’s death earlier this year means authorities will never know if they ate the veges.
The products being recalled in Australia contain vegetables sourced via several European countries including Belgium and Hungary.
What is Listeria?
Listeriosis is an illness usually caused by eating food contaminated by bacteria which can grow in food at refrigeration temperatures, the department said.
It is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
Around 150 people are hospitalised and about 15 die each year due to listeria infection.
In healthy people, the infection may be mistaken for a mild viral infection or flu.
The general symptoms include headache, fever, tiredness and aches and pains, as well as diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal cramps.
AusVeg, the peak body for the Australian vegetable industry, said consumers have a “right to ask” how supermarkets assure (that) growers overseas are complying with local standards and that proper processes are maintained.
Existing vege products on recall list
Woolworths – Essentials snap frozen mixed veg 1kg: Carrots, peas, corn, green beans & potatoes
Woolworths – Bell Farms Steam Veggie Carrot Corn and Broccoli 3pk 450g
IGA – Black & Gold Corn Kernels 500g
IGA – Black & Gold Mixed Vegetables 1kg: Carrots, peas, beans & corn
ALDI – Market Fare Peas, Carrots and Super Sweet Corn 1kg
ALDI – Market Fare Corn Kernels 1kg QLD, VIC, WA and select NSW stores
ALDI – Market Fare Mixed Vegetables 1kg QLD, NSW, ACT, WA
ALDI – Market Fare Quick Steam Carrot Broccoli and Cauliflower 450g
ALDI – Market Fare Quick Steam Carrot Corn and Broccoli 450g
