Minnesota food manufacturer Parkers Farm Inc. has initiated a voluntary recall of a series of products, including cheese, peanut butter, salsa, dips and spreads, over concerns of possible Listeria contamination.
The company announced that the recall has been taken as a precaution following tests conducted by the State of Minnesota Department of Health, which revealed Listeria contamination of certain products. So far no illnesses associated with any Parkers Farm products have been reported but because the bacteria has a long incubation period of up to 70 days, the department will remain vigilant and will be monitoring the market for diseases linked to these products.
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Products manufactured by Parkers Farm, including peanut butter, cheese and bagel spreads, dips and salsas, are distributed nationwide through large grocery chains such as Hy-Vee, Target, Whole Foods, Costco, ALDI and Walmart. The recalled food products are marketed under the brand names Parkers, Happy Farms, Central Markets, Hy-Top, Amish Classic, Say Cheez, Win Schuler and Bucky Badger, Food Safety News reported.
Listeria is among the most dangerous foodborne bacteria because it can cause serious health complications in certain demographic groups and has a high mortality rate. Young children and elderly people are especially prone to complications. Pregnant women should be particularly careful because the bacteria can cause miscarriage and stillbirths.
