Public Health Alert: Riced Cauliflower Meals at Risk
In a recent public health alert, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has flagged meals sold by Blue Apron and Marley Spoon that contain riced cauliflower potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected meals are:
- Blue Apron: DISH by Blue Apron Cheesy Chicken Mac with Vegetables (13.05 ounces, lot codes 25240 and 25247, establishment number P-3081).
- Marley Spoon: BALANCE by Marley Spoon BBQ Sauce Beef Meatballs with Cheesy Cauliflower (10.5 ounces, lot code 25255, establishment number Est. 47718).
The alert comes after FreshRealm, the producer of these meals, notified the USDA of the positive listeria test in the riced cauliflower. Fortunately, to date, there have been no confirmed illnesses linked to these products, and a recall was not issued since they are no longer available for purchase.
Understanding the Risks of Listeria
While Listeria may not affect everyone, certain groups are at heightened risk, including older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis can range from flu-like indications, such as muscle aches and fever, to more severe complications like headaches and neck stiffness, particularly concerning during pregnancy where it could lead to miscarriages or severe infections in newborns.
What Consumers Need to Do
Consumers who might have these meals in their refrigerators are strongly advised not to eat them. Instead, throw the products away or return them to their place of purchase. If you or someone in your family begins experiencing symptoms following consumption of these meals, it’s crucial to contact a healthcare provider.
Monitoring and Reporting
For further assistance, consumers can reach out to FreshRealm’s customer service at 1-888-244-1562 or via email at customerservice@freshrealm.com. Additionally, questions related to food safety can be directed to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline(888-674-6854).
Awareness is key. Monitor your health for any concerning symptoms through the upcoming weeks, as it can take up to 70 days for listeriosis symptoms to appear.
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