Giant Pulls Veggie Burgers From Stores

Giant Food Stores has pulled a brand of veggie burgers from its shelves due to a possible bacterial contamination.

The grocery chain said Friday it was recalling packages of its Veggie Patch Ultimate Meatless Burger due to possible contamination by listeria monocytogenes.

The following product is included in this recall:

• Veggie Patch Ultimate Meatless Burger, UPC 61012900211, 9 oz.
• Sell-by date of Jan. 12, 2013

Customers who have purchased the product should discard any unused portions and bring their purchase receipt to any Giant location for a full refund.   

Listeria is a common organism found in nature. Consumption of food contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, however, can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis.

Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. In addition, it can cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. 

So far, no illnesses have been reported from the burgers.

For more information, call Veggie Patch customer service at 1-888-698-3444. Customers may also call GIANT/MARTIN’S customer service at 1-888-814-4268, or visit www.giantfoodstores.com.