Publix Issues Listeria-Prompted Recall

Georgia Publix customers with a passion for the grocery store’s cranberry nut and seed mix may want to check the labels on any recent purchases.

The grocery chain announced Tuesday it has issued a voluntary recall on the mix because of Listeria monocytogenes concerns. The grocery store was notified about the potential contamination from its walnut supplier, Woodstock Farms, after routine testing, the store announced in a media release.

The 7.05-ounce plastic nut and seed mix containers were sold in Publix produce departments in Georgia, as well as Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and North Carolina.

The affected batches have a UPC code of 41415-34986. The use by dates on the potentially contaminated products are Aug. 7, 2016, through Aug. 30, 2016.

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail and elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems, Publix explained. Healthy people exposed to the contaminant may experience high fevers, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain. The infection can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

Customers who purchased the nut and seed mix can get full refunds by returning the containers to local stores. Consumers with questions may contact Publix customers relations at 1-800-242-1227 or by visiting the www.publix.com website. Questions may also be directed to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-723-3366.

"As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted product has been removed from all store shelves,” said Maria Brous, Publix media and community relations director. "To date, there have been no reported cases of illness.”

Last week, Publix issued recalls for its sweet and salty almond bars and its Wheatberry Salad. Listeria concerns were noted in both of those recalls.

The Lakeland-based company also issued a notice on May 4 assuring customers its frozen vegetables and fruits are not included in the large scale recall issued by CRF Frozen Foods of Pasco, Wash. That recall continues to expand, affecting such retailers as Trader Joe’s and Walmart. To find out more about the expanded CRF recall, read: Listeria Recall Expands: More Trader Joe’s Items Included and Frozen Vegetable Recall Now Includes Walmart Brand, Others.

Photo courtesy of Publix