2016: The Year of Listeria

Listeria has been in the headlines a lot this year. In 2016, Listeria outbreaks have affected several major brands and have been linked to at least three deaths.

Below is a rundown of the biggest Listeria outbreaks of 2016:

January
The world’s largest producer of fresh vegetables, Dole, was hit with a Listeria outbreak. Packaged salads produced in Dole’s Springfield, OH processing facility were recalled as a result. A total of 19 people were infected, including one death.

February
Maytag Dairy Farms voluntarily recalled their blue cheese products due to a potential Listeria contamination. They closed their facility and halted production after testing by the State of Iowa revealed the presence of Listeria in two lots of products. No illnesses have been reported to date. Maytag recently resumed production for the holiday season.

March
The CDC announced a multi-state outbreak of Listeria linked to raw milk produced by Miller’s Organic Farm. Two people became ill; one died as a result. The outbreak was traced back to raw chocolate milk sold at a raw milk conference in California.

April
The CDC announced the recall of frozen vegetables produced by CFR Frozen Foods. More than 350 consumer products sold under 42 separate brands were recalled. In addition, at least 100 other products from other companies that contained recalled ingredients from CRF Frozen Foods. Nine people across four states were affected by this outbreak, including one death.

May
SunOpta, Inc. recalled many of their sunflower kernel products due to potential Listeria contamination. A common ingredient in granola bars, salads, and protein bars, this recall impacted many major brands including, Nature’s Valley, Quaker Oats, Trader Joe’s, and Post. No illnesses have been reported to date.

June
During an inspection of multiple food manufacturing facilities owned by Whole Foods Markets Inc., the FDA found several serious violations, including Listeria. They issued a warning letter to the organic supermarket retailer, citing numerous violations of current Good Manufacturing Practices and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act. FDA inspectors took 100 environmental samples in the Whole Foods facility and found traces of Listeria on food contact surfaces.

July
School lunch provider, Integrated Food Service, recalled several of their products due to potential Listeria contamination. The recalled products were distributed to foodservice distributors across eight states. None of the recalled products were sold at retail locations. No illnesses have linked to this outbreak.

August
Pennsylvania-based, Cambridge Farms LLC recalled three brands of frozen corn after a package tested positive for Listeria. They immediately stopped production and distribution of the frozen corn. The recall affected three different brands, including Laura Lynn, Key Food, and Better Valu. No illnesses have been linked to the contamination.

September
Kellogg’s recalled over 10,000 cases of their Nutri-Grain Whole Wheat Waffles after routine tests showed signs of Listeria. The recalled waffles were distributed to wholesalers and retailers across 25 different states. No illnesses linked to the outbreak.

October
Nestle’s Drumstick ice cream cones produced in their Bakersfield manufacturing plant were recalled due to Listeria. None of the ice cream cones themselves tested positive for Listeria, but traces of Listeria were found within the manufacturing facility where the Drumsticks were made. No illnesses have been reported.

November
Most recently, Sabra Dipping Co. voluntarily recalled many of their hummus products due to potential Listeria contamination. Listeria was identified at the manufacturing facility but not in the finished product. No illnesses have been linked to the outbreak. The recall also impacted 7-Eleven sandwiches which used the Sabra’s hummus as an ingredient.

Who will be December on this Listeria calendar?

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