By MICHELE F. MIHALJEVICH

Indiana Correspondent

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Meijer, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Target and several other retailers announced recalls last month for vegetable products that may have been contaminated with listeria.

The recall notices were issued after Mann Packing was told of a single positive result found on one of its products by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency during random sampling. Mann, a Salinas, Calif.-based fresh vegetable supplier, announced the recall Oct. 19. As of press time, no illnesses had been reported from any of the recalled products.

Mann decided to announce the recall out of an abundance of caution, according to Gina Nucci, one of the company’s owners and director of marketing.

“We understand these recalls are concerning for consumers, but I want (consumers) to know that this action was taken because your health and safety is our highest priority,” she explained. “As a mom, I work hard every day to ensure that our products are safe for our kids and our families, which is why we made the choice to take this very cautious approach and recall our products.”

In addition to supplying vegetables to retailers, Mann sells products under its own name. The list of vegetables recalled by Mann included broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and several stir fry, tray and medley products.

Some of the recalled products were also sold under the brand names Archer Farms (Target’s in-house grocery brand) and Signature Farms (Albertsons and Vons). Meijer recalled several products – such as vegetable trays – the company said may have included ingredients listed by Mann. Safeway, Vons and Pak N’ Save stores recalled vegetable cups and trays. H-E-B stores, based in Texas, said the company recalled its Asian Noodle beef and chicken soup cups made with vegetables supplied by Mann.

Mann said the recalled products were distributed in the United States and Canada and had “sell by” dates of Oct. 11 through Oct. 20. Meijer told its customers products sold in its stores Sept. 27 through Oct. 20 were recalled. Trader Joe’s, meanwhile, said its Kohlrabi Salad Blend with “best before” date codes of Oct. 14, 15 and 16 was impacted.

Recalled items sold by Walmart included cauliflower and broccoli florets, stir fry and vegetable medley products. Mann vegetables were also sold at Sam’s Club stores.

A Meijer spokesman declined an interview request from Farm World. Walmart didn’t return an email seeking comment.

Listeria monocytogenes is particularly harmful to the elderly, pregnant women and to those with weakened immune systems, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria may also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, the agency said.

Consumers who purchased any of the products were urged not to eat them and to throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. A toll-free number – 888-470-2681 – was set up by Mann to answer questions about the recall.

Mann will cooperate and work closely with Canadian officials and with the FDA to “ensure a complete and effective recall of any and all impacted product,” Nucci said. “Three generations of my family have been farming and supplying vegetables to consumers and we remain committed to ensuring that Mann Packing products are safe and healthy for your kids and my kids, too.”