Nationwide Recall: Check Your Frozen Vegetables for Listeria

A major food recall has been issued across Canada, urging consumers to check their freezers for specific frozen vegetable products due to potential contamination with *Listeria monocytogenes*. This recall, initiated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), highlights a critical food safety issue that could pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The implicated products were distributed nationally and sold in various retail locations. If you have any frozen vegetables in your home, it is essential to take a moment to review this information and inspect your purchases.

What Products Are Affected by the Recall?

The recall centers on frozen vegetable items produced by a company called “Sunrise Growers” and sold under multiple brand names. The specific product to be on the lookout for is the 1.5 kg bag of “Sunrise Growers” brand Frozen Whole Kernel Corn.

However, the product may not always be easy to identify, as it has also been sold under other labels. The CFIA advises consumers to check for the following key details:

Identifying the Recalled Frozen Corn

• Product: Frozen Whole Kernel Corn
• Size: 1.5 kg bag
• UPC: 8 73668 00130 6
• Coded Dates: All best before dates up to and including 2025 OC 04 and 2025 OC 05

This product may have been sold in clear plastic bags with a predominantly green and yellow design. Crucially, it may also have been repackaged and sold in smaller, unlabeled bags at various retail counters. If you purchased loose frozen corn from a bulk bin or service counter, especially if the store also carries the Sunrise Growers brand, it is safest to dispose of it.

Understanding the Danger: What is Listeria?

*Listeria monocytogenes* is a type of bacteria that can cause a serious infection known as listeriosis. Unlike many foodborne bacteria, Listeria can survive and even grow under refrigeration, making frozen products a potential, though less common, vector.

Who is Most at Risk?

While healthy individuals may experience only short-term, flu-like symptoms, listeriosis can be severe and sometimes fatal for certain groups. The people at highest risk include:

• Pregnant women and their unborn babies: Infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
• Older adults (typically over 65)
• People with weakened immune systems: This includes individuals undergoing chemotherapy, those with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or kidney disease, and organ transplant recipients.
• Newborns

Symptoms of Listeriosis to Watch For

Symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to several weeks after consuming contaminated food. They are often flu-like but can progress to more severe illness. Be vigilant for:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Nausea and diarrhea
• Stiff neck
• Headache
• Loss of balance
• Confusion or convulsions

If you are in a high-risk group and believe you may have consumed a recalled product and are experiencing symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

What Should You Do If You Have the Recalled Product?

Do not consume the product. The CFIA has provided clear steps to ensure your safety and prevent the spread of contamination.

1. Check Your Freezer: Immediately inspect your frozen vegetables for the 1.5 kg bag of Sunrise Growers Frozen Whole Kernel Corn with the specified UPC and dates.
2. Do Not Eat It: If you have the product, do not eat it. Cooking may kill the bacteria, but the safest course of action is to avoid it entirely.
3. Dispose of It Safely: Either discard the product in your household garbage where it is inaccessible to people and animals, or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
4. Clean Your Space: After handling the recalled product, wash your hands thoroughly. Clean any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have come into contact with it using hot, soapy water. Sanitize your freezer drawer or shelf if the bag leaked.

How Did This Happen? The CFIA’s Role and Company Response

The recall was triggered by routine testing conducted by the CFIA. The agency’s inspectors test food products for various pathogens as part of ongoing food safety monitoring. The discovery of *Listeria monocytogenes* in a sample of this product initiated the investigation and subsequent recall.

The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to further recalls. As of now, no reported illnesses have been linked to this specific product, but the recall is a preventative measure to protect public health.

The distributing company is cooperating fully with the CFIA. Consumers with questions can contact the company directly for more information.

Beyond This Recall: General Food Safety Tips for Frozen Vegetables

While this recall is specific, it serves as an important reminder about general food safety practices when handling frozen fruits and vegetables.

Safe Handling and Cooking Practices

• Follow Recall Notices: Stay informed by checking the CFIA’s website or social media for the latest recall warnings.
• Cook Thoroughly When Advised: Many frozen vegetables, like corn, are often cooked before eating. Ensure they are cooked to a safe temperature, which can help destroy harmful bacteria. However, if a product is recalled, the advice is always to discard it, not to try and cook it.
• Prevent Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods. Never thaw frozen vegetables at room temperature; thaw them in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Always wash your hands before and after handling food. Wash reusable grocery bags frequently.

Staying Informed: Where to Find Official Recall Information

In today’s connected world, staying updated on food recalls is easier than ever. To protect yourself and your family, make it a habit to consult official sources:

• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Website: Their recall and safety alerts page is the most authoritative source.
• CFIA Social Media: Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn for instant updates.
• News Media: Reputable news outlets quickly broadcast major nationwide recalls like this one.
• Store Notices: Many retailers post recall notices at customer service desks or at the point of sale for affected products.

Final Thoughts: Safety First

Food recalls, while concerning, are a sign that the food safety system is working. They are proactive measures designed to remove potentially hazardous products from the market before anyone gets sick. This recall of frozen corn is a critical reminder that food safety is a shared responsibility between regulators, companies, and consumers.

Take two minutes today to check your freezer. Look for the 1.5 kg bag with UPC 8 73668 00130 6. If you find it, dispose of it properly. By taking this simple step, you are playing a vital role in protecting the health of your household and your community. Stay safe, stay informed, and when in doubt, throw it out.