In a concerning development for breakfast lovers, a significant recall of popular frozen waffles has been initiated due to potential contamination with Listeria. Listeria is a dangerous bacteria that can cause serious illness, especially in vulnerable populations such as the young, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
The recall was announced by Treehouse Foods, a major manufacturer in the food industry. The company discovered the potential Listeria contamination during routine testing at its manufacturing facility. This led to the decision to recall all frozen waffles produced at the facility that are still within their expiration dates1.
Several well-known brands are affected by this recall. Walmart’s Great Value brand is among them, with a variety of its frozen waffle products being pulled from the shelves2. Target’s Good & Gather line also has some of its frozen waffle flavors included in the recall. Additionally, Kroger’s Simple Truth Protein Waffles have been affected. These are all private label brands of major retailers that are popular among consumers looking for affordable yet quality frozen food products.
Another brand impacted is 365 Organic from Whole Foods. The store is known for its focus on organic and high-quality products, but even their frozen waffles have not escaped this contamination scare. And for those who prefer other brands, Foodhold, Kodiak Cakes, and Simple Truth have also had their frozen waffle products recalled2.
The recall affects products distributed across a wide range of retail stores in the United States and Canada. Major grocery chains such as Albertsons, Aldi, Dollar General, H-E-B, Kroger, Publix, Target, Walmart, and many others may have carried these affected products12. Consumers are advised to check their freezers and pantries for any of these recalled frozen waffles and either dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund26.
So far, there have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the recalled frozen waffles. However, federal health officials are taking this matter seriously, as Listeria infections can have severe consequences1. Symptoms of Listeria infection can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and sometimes diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms24. In pregnant women, Listeria can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn4.
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the need for continuous monitoring and testing in the food industry. Manufacturers must take strict measures to ensure the safety of their products, and consumers should remain vigilant when purchasing and consuming food items. As the investigation into this matter continues, it is essential for both the industry and the public to stay informed about any updates or developments regarding the recall and the potential risks associated with Listeria contamination.
