Nationwide Listeria Warning: Frozen Waffle Recall Issues Safety Alert
According to News Week, A significant recall has been issued for frozen waffle products due to potential contamination with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. TreeHouse Foods, Inc. has voluntarily recalled several hundred waffle products spanning 25 of its brands, which have been distributed throughout the U.S. and Canada, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Newsweek has reached out to TreeHouse Foods for further comment.
Affected Brands
The recall affects a wide range of brands, including:
- Always Save
- Best Choice
- Bettergoods
- Breakfast Best
- Compliments
- Clover Valley
- Essentials
- Food Lion
- Foodhold
- Giant Eagle
- Good & Gather
- Great Value
- Hannaford
- Harris Teeter
- H-E-B Higher Harvest
- Kodiak Cakes
- No Name
- Pics By Price Chopper
- Publix
- Schnucks
- Se Grocers
- Selection
- Simple Truth
- Tops
- Western Family
Types of Recalled Products
The recalled products encompass a variety of frozen waffles, including:
- Blueberry waffles
- Chocolate chip waffles
- Pumpkin waffles
- Buttermilk waffles
- Multigrain waffles
- Homestyle waffles
- Protein waffles
Consumer Guidance
The FDA has advised consumers to check their freezers for the affected products. “Consumers and retailers can identify the UPC on the back of the carton, along with the Lot Code and Best By Date on the end of the carton,” the FDA stated.
Customers who find these products are urged to either dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase.
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Frozen Waffles Recalled Over Listeria Fears
The TreeHouse Foods frozen waffle products were recalled due to potential contamination with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. Consumers have been urged to dispose of or return the products.
| Product | Retail UPC | Lot code | Best By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always Save 9.9oz Homestyle Waffles | 070038608752 | 2C201154 | 1/14/2025 |
| Always Save 9.9oz Homestyle Waffles | 070038608752 | 2C207184 | 7/18/2025 |
| Always Save 9.9oz Homestyle Waffles | 070038608752 | 2C210163 | 10/15/2024 |
| Best Choice 12.3oz Chocolate Chip Waffles | 070038596790 | 2C202034 | 2/2/2025 |
| Best Choice 12.3oz Chocolate Chip Waffles | 070038596790 | 2C203294 | 3/29/2025 |
| Best Choice 12.3oz Chocolate Chip Waffles | 070038596790 | 2C205114 | 5/11/2025 |
| Best Choice 12.3oz Chocolate Chip Waffles | 070038596790 | 2C207134 | 7/13/2025 |
| Best Choice 12.3oz Chocolate Chip Waffles | 070038596790 | 2C208314 | 8/31/2025 |
| Best Choice 12.3oz Blueberry Waffles | 070038356851 | 2C201204 | 1/19/2025 |
| Best Choice 12.3oz Blueberry Waffles | 070038356851 | 2C202034 | 2/2/2025 |
| Best Choice 12.3oz Blueberry Waffles | 070038356851 | 2C202094 | 2/8/2025 |
| Best Choice 12.3oz Blueberry Waffles | 070038356851 | 2C203084 | 3/8/2025 |
| Best Choice 12.3oz Blueberry Waffles | 070038356851 | 2C203284 | 3/28/2025 |
| Best Choice 12.3oz Blueberry Waffles | 070038356851 | 2C204134 | 4/13/2025 |
| Best Choice 12.3oz Blueberry Waffles | 070038356851 | 2C205174 | 5/17/2025 |
| Best Choice 12.3oz Blueberry Waffles | 070038356851 | 2C207264 | 7/26/2025 |
| Best Choice 12.3oz Blueberry Waffles | 070038356851 | 2C208164 | 8/16/2025 |
| Best Choice 12.3oz Blueberry Waffles | 070038356851 | 2C208304 | 8/30/2025 |
| Best Choice 12.3oz Blueberry Waffles | 070038356851 | 2C211043 | 11/3/2024 |
| Best Choice 12.3oz Blueberry Waffles | 070038356851 | 2C212013 | 11/30/2024 |
Background on Listeria Contamination
The recall was initiated following a routine test at TreeHouse Foods’ manufacturing facility that indicated potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This type of bacteria can lead to listeriosis, a severe infection primarily found in contaminated food, especially in raw or unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, and some processed foods.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeria infection ranks as the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S., resulting in approximately 1,600 infections and 260 deaths annually.
Health Risks
Listeria monocytogenes poses a serious risk, particularly to vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. While healthy individuals may experience only mild symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, severe cases can lead to complications like meningitis or encephalitis.
The FDA warns that listeria infection can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women. Listeria is especially concerning because it can grow in colder temperatures, including those found in refrigerators, making it more difficult to control compared to other bacteria.
For those affected by the recall, vigilance in checking for these products is crucial to ensure safety and health.
