Several frozen waffle products sold in Canada and the U.S. have been recalled due to possible listeria bacteria contamination at a manufacturing facility in Brantford, Ont. TreeHouse Foods, a multinational food-processing company, voluntarily recalled hundreds of its frozen waffle products, including brands such as Walmart’s Great Value, Metro’s Selection, Sobeys Inc.’s Compliments, and Loblaws’ No Name. The company stated that there have been no reported illnesses linked to the recalled products to date, and the issue was discovered through routine testing at the manufacturing facility. Customers are urged to check their freezers for products on the recall list, and contact TreeHouse Foods with any questions.
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in vulnerable populations, such as young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis include vomiting, nausea, fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. While the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has not issued a public recall for the frozen waffle products, TreeHouse Foods stated that the agency has been informed of the situation. Foods contaminated with listeria may not necessarily exhibit any visual or olfactory signs of spoilage, but can still pose a health risk to consumers.
In response to the recall, Metro Inc. reported that the impacted Selection waffles have been removed from all affected Metro Inc. banner locations. Meanwhile, Sobeys Inc., Walmart Canada, and Loblaws Inc. did not provide responses to questions regarding the situation. Global News reached out to the CFIA for comment, but did not receive a response by publication. This recall is part of a string of recent recalls involving listeria contamination, including a deadly outbreak linked to plant-based milks that resulted in three deaths and 20 hospitalizations. Additionally, earlier in the month, jellied beef tongue contaminated with listeria led to four cases of listeriosis in Ontario.
Consumers are advised to be vigilant about checking their frozen waffle products for potential contamination and to dispose of any items listed on the recall notice. As the recall affects multiple brands sold at various grocery stores in Canada, it is important for individuals to verify if they have any of the recalled products in their possession. TreeHouse Foods has provided a contact number for customers to reach out with any inquiries, and is encouraging individuals to take precautionary measures to ensure their safety and well-being. It is crucial for consumers to stay informed about food recalls and to follow the guidance provided by the company and health authorities to prevent any potential health risks.
