Multistate Listeria outbreak linked to frozen vegetables send 8 to the hospital
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with public health officials in several states and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of listeriosis that has sickened eight people since 2013.
A total of eight people infected with the outbreak strains of Listeria have been reported from three states (Washington, California and Maryland) since September 13, 2013.
Two illnesses were reported in 2016. The remaining six illnesses reported during 2013-2015 were identified through a retrospective review of the PulseNet database.
All eight (100%) ill people were hospitalized, including one from Maryland and one from Washington who died, although listeriosis was not considered to be a cause of death for either person.
CDC says epidemiologic and laboratory evidence available at this time indicates that frozen vegetables produced by CRF Frozen Foods of Pasco, Washington and sold under various brand names are one likely source of illness in this outbreak.
On April 23, 2016, CRF Frozen Foods recalled 11 frozen vegetable products because they may be contaminated with Listeria.
On May 2, 2016, CRF Frozen Foods expanded the initial recall to include all organic and traditional frozen vegetable and fruit products processed in its Pasco, Washington facility since May 1, 2014. Approximately 358 consumer products sold under 42 separate brands were recalled.