Parkers Farm Acquisition Recalls Food Products Over Possible Listeria Contamination

After testing by Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) determined that some food products produced by Parkers Farm Acquisition, LLC of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, which can cause serious illness, the company has recalled certain peanut butter, cheese, salsa, and spreads.

Parkers Farm said there have been no reports of illnesses associated with the products, but they are cooperating with the MDA investigation and have initiated a voluntary recall of products distributed under the Parkers Farm, Parkers, Happy Farms, Central Markets, Hy-Top, Amish Classic, Say Cheez, Win Schuler, and Bucky Badger labels at stores including Hy-Vee, Cub, Rainbow, Byerly’s, Lunds, Target, Whole Foods, Price Chopper, Nash Finch, Costco, Aldi, Wal-Mart, and Brookshire.

Though healthy people usually do not contract listeriosis, the bacteria can cause fatal infections in infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis can also lead to miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The FDA advises consumers who believe they may have become ill after eating any of these products to contact a health care provider.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall announcement contains a list of the recalled products, their sizes and packaging, and their sell-by dates: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm390421.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Consumers who have any of the recalled products in their homes should either discard them or return them to the place of purchase. Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can continue to grow in some foods, even when they are refrigerated, the CDC explains.

Consumers with questions can contact Parkers Farm Acquisition, toll free, at 800.869.6685 or online at www.parkersfarm.com.