Sno Pac Foods, Inc. is recalling Sno Pac and Del Mar brands of organic frozen spinach products due to fears they could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Numerous public health alerts and recalls have been initiated this year because of the potential for damaged products, foodborne illness, contamination and undeclared food allergens.
Millions of Americans experience food sensitivities or allergies every year. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the nine "major" food allergens in the United States are eggs, milk, fish, wheat, soybeans, crustacean shellfish, sesame, tree nuts and peanuts.
"Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women," the alert warns.
The alert says the recall impacts Del Mar 35-pound Bulk Organic Frozen Spinach and Sno Pac 10-ounce Organic Frozen Cut Spinach.
The 35-pound box has lot code numbers of: 250107A, 250107B, 250107C, 250107D, 2501071, and 2501073 and an expiration date of January 7, 2027, the alert says.
The 10-ounce package has an impacted lot code numbers of SPM1.190.5 with a best by date of July 9, 2027; lot code numbers SPC2.160.5 and SPC1.160.5 with a best by date of June 9, 2027; and SPM1.097.5 with a best by date of April 7, 2027.
The recalled spinach was distributed across the United States in retail stores, the alert notes. There have been no reported illnesses as of Monday related to the recall.
Sno Pac Foods, Inc. told Newsweek via email Tuesday in part that, "We have not had any product returned however withdrawal from store shelves and distributers and disposal has been underway." The company also added that no illnesses have been reported.
The alert in part: "This recall has been initiated due to possible Listeria monocytogenes. A bulk case of spinach from our supplier was tested and found positive for Listeria monocytogenes and was of the same lot code we used to repack the Sno Pac Organic Frozen Cut Spinach into 10 oz packages. The production of the product has been suspended while the company continues to investigate the source of the problem."
People who have purchased the recalled products are urged to dispose of them or return them to the original place of purchase for a refund, the alert notes.
People with additional questions can contact the company via phone at (507) 725-5281 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.