Shoppers who bought a specific frozen pasta at Walmart should check their freezers now. The FDA has published a company announcement stating that Gias Foods of New York is recalling two lots of its Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine, sold under the Bettergoods brand, because the pasta may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The product was sold at Walmart stores nationwide, putting anyone who stocked their freezer with this convenient meal at potential risk. As your consumer watchdog, I want to make sure you catch this before it becomes a health problem, not after.
According to the company, Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, people who are frail or elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system. The recall began after routine sampling by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services turned up the possible contamination. No illnesses have been reported so far.
How to spot it
- Frozen Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine, Bettergoods brand, sold in a 22 oz yellow plastic package
- UPC #194346442706
- Lot #L6079C or #L6080C
- Expiration dates of 09/19/2027 or 09/20/2027, stamped on the back of the package
Gias Foods has stopped distributing the products and is working with the FDA to investigate the source of the possible contamination.
According to the CDC, intestinal listeriosis usually starts within 24 hours of eating contaminated food and lasts one to three days, with symptoms like mild diarrhea and vomiting. In some people, especially those who are pregnant, adults 65 and older, or those with weakened immune systems, the bacteria can spread beyond the intestines into invasive listeriosis, which can appear days or even weeks later. Symptoms include fever, flu-like aches and fatigue, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.
What to do if it happened to you
- Don't eat the fettuccine if you have it
- Return it to the Walmart store where you bought it for a full refund
- If you ate it and develop fever, fatigue, or muscle aches, call your doctor, especially if you're pregnant, 65 or older, or immunocompromised, per CDC guidance
- Contact Gias Foods with questions at [email protected]; the company says it will respond within 24 hours
Source: Good Housekeeping
