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Trader Joe’s, Harris Teeter recalling ready-to-eat products

FDA investigating salmonella and listeria contamination linked to McCain Foods

Michael Browne, Executive Editor

October 23, 2018

2 Min Read
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Nearly 800,000 pounds of ready-to-eat pizzas and burritos have been recalled due to a potential contamination of salmonella and listeria monocytogenes, the USDA announced. The recalled products, produced by Bakkavor Foods USA Inc. with ingredients sourced by McCain Foods, were stocked primarily at Trader Joe’s and Harris Teeter.

The recalled products include: Harris Teeter's BBQ Style Chicken Artisan Pizza; Harris Teeter's Chicken Sausage, Egg White and Cheese Breakfast Burrito; Harris Teeter's Bacon, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Burrito; and Trader Joe's Carnitas with Salas Verde Burrito.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in coordination with the USDA, is investigating possible contamination of several vegetable products from McCain, that has led to the recall of a number of products including salads and wraps that used the vegetables — including possibly tainted onions — from McCain Foods as ingredients.

McCain Foods issued a statement Friday saying that the company “recently identified a potential health risk related to its fire roasted, caramelized or sautéed frozen vegetable and fruit products produced at its Colton (California) facility, and as a result, we have made the decision to voluntarily recall all products produced at this facility.”

Distributed nationwide and produced between Sept. 27, 2017, and Oct. 15, 2018, most of Bakkavor's products for Harris Teeter have use by dates of Oct. 24 and Oct. 25, according to the USDA. A 16-ounce Harris Teeter Deli-Bakery brand BBQ style chicken artisan pizza has use-by dates from Jan. 7, 2019, to April 11, 2019. The Trader Joe's carnitas with salsa verde burritos had use-by dates through Oct. 24.

According to the FDA, no illnesses to date have been identified in connection with any of these foods, but consumers should not eat any of the products that have been recalled, as they could be contaminated. 

The FDA notes that “many of the recalled products require cooking, which if properly done, would reduce the risk of illness from salmonella or listeria contamination," and some have already expired, but there are some that were sold as "ready-to-eat."

Consumers should visit the recall sections of the Food & Drug Administration website and the USDA website and check the complete list of products recalled.

About the Author

Michael Browne

Executive Editor, Supermarket News

Michael Browne joined Supermarket News in 2018 after serving in managing and executive editor capacities at leading B2B media brands including Convenience Store NewsLicense Global and Travel Agent. He also previously served as content production manager for print and digital in the Business Intelligence division of Informa, parent company of Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News.

As executive editor, Mike oversees the editorial content of supermarketnews.com as well as the monthly print publication. He also directs all content-based brand-related projects including the annual Top 75 Retailers report, Category Guide, Retailer of the Year, research surveys and special reports, as well as podcast and webinar content. Mike has also presented and moderated at industry events.

In addition to the positions mentioned above, Mike has also worked as a writer and/or editor for special projects at American Legal Media (ALM), managing editor for Tobacco International, special projects editor at American Banker • Bond Buyer, and as production editor for Bank Technology News and other related financial magazines and journals published by Faulkner & Gray.

A graduate of Fordham University, Mike is based in New York City, where he was born and raised.

Contact Mike at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

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