Trader Joe's Hummus Recall 2014: FDA Recalls Hummus Over Feared Listeria Contamination In More Than 7 Tons Nationwide
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall of more than 7 tons of hummus and dip products on Monday, due to a possible Listeria contamination.
The FDA’s recall includes several varieties of Target’s Archer Farms label hummus and dip, three flavors of Trader Joe’s brand hummus, and two Giant Eagle flavors of hummus. While Listeria may only cause short-term health consequences in healthy people, such as fever, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, among populations whose immune systems are weaker — children, the elderly, pregnant women, and the generally ill — Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections.
Prepared Foods manufacturer, Lansal Inc., which does business as Hot Mama’s Foods, contacted all impacted retailers and distributors alerting them of the issue, the FDA announced. The agency advises all consumers who have purchased one or more of the products not to eat them, and either to throw them away or return them to the store for a full refund.
In the U.S., an estimated 1,600 people fall ill from Listeria germs each year. Roughly 260 of these cases die from the infection, and 90 percent of them come from a high-risk group. Overall, 58 percent of Listeria infections occur among people 65 years and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Officials originally found the contamination during a routine test of Target Archer Farms Traditional Hummus (10 ounce) by the Texas Department of Health. So far, no illnesses have been reported. Consumers with any questions may call toll free (877) 550-0694 from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST seven days a week, the FDA said.
For a full list of the recalled products, click here.