Hi everyone! Yes, we are in the throws of gardening season and so far everything seems to be doing well in my garden.
The other day, I got a message on my phone from Costco followed up with the following letter:
Yes, that's right. We actually had some of these products in our Freezer.
CRF Frozen Foods LLC recalled specific frozen vegetables due to a concern with possible Listeria moncytogenes exposure in individually quick frozen (IQF) organic peas and IQF organic white sweet corn. Well that was such welcome news as you might expect.
I was less than happy to learn that I had some of the recalled food in my Freezer.
The bad news just keeps on coming. The FDA released an updated list from CRF that included the following (May 4, 2016):
"This expanded recall of frozen vegetables includes all of the frozen organic and traditional fruit and vegetable products manufactured or processed in CRF Frozen Foods' Pasco facility since May 1, 2014. All affected products have the best by dates or sell by dates between April 26, 2016 and April 26, 2018. These include approximately 358 consumer products sold under 42 separate brands, the details of which are listed below. Products include organic and non-organic broccoli, butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower, corn, edamame, green beans, Italian beans, kale, leeks, lima beans, onions, peas, pepper strips, potatoes, potato medley, root medley, spinach, sweet potatoes, various vegetable medleys, blends, and stir fry packages, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, peaches, raspberries, and strawberries."
We were the lucky winners again!
We quickly disposed of our tainted vegetables. But, here was the chilling fact, we already had some of them for dinner over a few meals. So far, everyone is fine....but the thought of what could be is a bit chilling for me. It was a good reminder that I need to flash freeze my own vegetables from my Garden.
So, as I planted extra beans yesterday, I plan to be more responsible for the foods that I do have in my home. Yes, this was a problem at the manufacturing site, but I still am ultimately the one who is responsible for what my family eats.
The other thing that was a bit concerning to me is that Costco remembered what I purchased. While I am thankful to have been notified, I am not so sure I like the fact that they could not only send a letter to me, but call me as well.
I hope this was as much of a wake up call for you as it was for me! Check your freezer and see if you happen to have any of the recalled fruits or vegetables. It is worth the time to look and protect those you love.
