Bags of frozen berries have been recalled after a sample tested positive for norovirus.
Frozen red peppers have also been recalled in one state over potential listeria contamination.
The new recalls come a day after recalls of two other frozen products, both tainted with listeria: frozen avocado chunks and frozen spinach.
These berries were recalled from stores across Florida, North Carolina, New York, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The CDC says food can be contaminated with norovirus if ‘tiny drops of vomit from an infected person sprays through the air and land on the food’
The blackberries, sold in 16-ounce packs by the brand Great Value, were sold in Walmart stores between January and May in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina
The berries recall affects bags of blackberries and mixed berries in seven states, provided by different companies but packaged at the same plant, Alma Pak, in Alma, Georgia.
The blackberries, sold in 16-ounce packs by the brand Great Value, were sold in Walmart stores between January and May in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina.
They had expiration dates of 1/25/2021, 03/07/2021, 04/08/2021.
The mixed berries, sold in 12-ounce packs by the brand Tipton Grove were sold for a couple of weeks in May in Save-A-Lot stores across Florida, North Carolina, New York, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
They had expiration dates of 04/22/2021, 04/23/2021, 04/24/2021.
All of those bags have been recalled over fears they could give customers norovirus.
According to the CDC, food becomes contaminated with norovirus if it is touched by someone with poop or vomit on their hands, if it touches poop or vomit on a surface, or if ‘tiny drops of vomit from an infected person spray through the air and land on the food.’
Norovirus is one of the most common stomach infections in the US, often referred to as the ‘winter vomiting bug’ since it usually strikes in winter.
Most people recover within 24 to 48 hours but it can very serious for already frail patients, and can lead to dehydration.
The virus, which can also cause diarrhea, is extremely contagious and can create huge disruption in hospitals as it spreads so quickly between patients.
But the bug also has a tendency to mutate and some strains are worse than others, leading to higher numbers of infections.
The frozen peppers were recalled in Rhode Island after routine testing at the manufacturing plant, UNFI.
The frozen peppers were recalled in Rhode Island after routine testing at the manufacturing plant, UNFI
They found listeria in samples from 10-ounce packages of Woodstock frozen Organic Grilled Red Peppers.
Most people that catch listeriosis, caused by bacteria called listeria, will only experience mild symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Other symptoms of the infection can include a high temperature, aches and pains, and chills.
More serious complications can develop in those with weakened immune systems, babies, the elderly and pregnant women.
Many foods can harbor listeria, but it is usually found in unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses and ready-to-eat foods, such as prepacked sandwiches.
Listeria is widespread in the environment and can be found in raw food and soil, and in the droppings of many mammals, birds, and fish.
