More and more food items are being recalled from Costco because of worries about Listeria contamination. This time, Krusteaz Belgian Waffles are being pulled from the shelves. The recall is part of a more extensive, national recall affecting multiple brands and retailers, and Costco is now taking proactive steps to ensure customer safety.
Waffles Pulled From Shelves
Costco notified customers who purchased Krusteaz Belgian Waffles this week between October 13 and October 21. These frozen waffles, sold in 24-count packs under item number 547374, are part of a broader Listeria contamination recall issued by the supplier, TreeHouse Foods.
The recall affects a wide variety of frozen waffle and pancake products, including private-label brands like Krusteaz, Kodiak Cakes, Trader Joe’s, Walmart’s Great Value, Whole Foods’ 365 Organic, Aldi’s Breakfast Best, and Target’s Good & Gather.
Potential Listeria Contamination
The recall happened because there might be harmful bacteria called Listeria in the product, which can make people very sick, especially those who are more likely to get sick. Listeria contamination can occur during the processing or packaging of food, and while it may not always be immediately evident, it can pose serious health risks if consumed.
Customers who bought the Krusteaz Belgian Waffles should stop eating them now and take them back to Costco for a refund. If you have any questions, call TreeHouse Foods at (800) 596-2903.
Customers who believe they may have purchased other impacted waffle brands should also review the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Costco’s Expanding Recall List
This new recall happened shortly after Costco recalled its Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon because it had Listeria contamination. The recall for the smoked salmon applies to specific packages sold in Southeast Costco locations, and customers are advised to return these items if they match the lot number 8512801270.
Listeria concerns have been a recurring issue for Costco this month. Earlier in October, Costco recalled four more items due to potential Listeria contamination, including Rana Chicken Truffle Carbonara, Rana Tagliatelle Grilled White Chicken & Portobello Mushroom Sauce, El Monterey Mexican Grill Chicken & Cheese Taquitos, and Red’s Southwestern Grilled Chicken Mini Burritos.
Understanding Listeria and Its Risks
Listeria monocytogenes is a germ that can get into foods, especially ones that are already prepared and can be eaten without cooking, like deli meats, milk products, and some frozen foods. Listeria infection, also known as listeriosis, can cause symptoms like fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and other flu-like effects when ingested.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to several weeks after eating contaminated food.
Listeria is particularly dangerous for specific populations, including pregnant people, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
In these groups, Listeria infection can cause serious problems like miscarriages, stillbirths, and very serious illnesses. Even if you are healthy, you can still get sick from Listeria, so it’s a big concern for public health.
What To Do If You Have Recalled Products
If you have purchased any of the recalled items, Costco and health officials recommend the following steps:
- Check the labels for the item number, lot number, or product details mentioned in the recall.
- Stop consuming the product immediately.
- Return the product to Costco for a full refund.
- If you have any concerns about potential symptoms, contact a healthcare provider for advice, mainly if you belong to a high-risk group.
A Cautionary Reminder for Consumers
The recent recalls of food at Costco because of Listeria show us how important it is to be careful with what we eat. Even though the products are taken off the shelves quickly, it’s still important for us to stay aware and be careful.
Always stay updated on food recalls, check for any alerts from local or national health agencies, and ensure you handle and store food properly at home.
Final Thoughts
Costco recently recalled Krusteaz Belgian Waffles because of possible Listeria contamination. This shows that Costco is taking big actions to keep customers safe. People should pay attention to these recalls & do what is necessary to make sure they are safe.
Always keep an eye out for updates on food safety, and if you’re unsure whether an item is affected, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and check with the retailer or manufacturer.