TreeHouse Foods Recalls Waffles Across Major Retailers
TreeHouse Foods, a prominent U.S. food manufacturer, has announced a major recall of frozen waffles under various popular brands due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium known for causing severe foodborne illnesses. The recall affects nearly 700 waffle products sold under brands like Kodiak and Good & Gather, widely available at national retailers, including Walmart, Target, Publix, Food Lion, and Aldi. The recall, prompted by routine testing at the company’s facility, was confirmed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which urged consumers to exercise caution.
What Consumers Should Do with Recalled Products
In light of the recall, consumers who have purchased any of the affected frozen waffles are advised to dispose of the products immediately or return them to the original store for a full refund. TreeHouse Foods has assured the public of its commitment to food safety and has set up a dedicated hotline to address customer concerns. Those seeking more information on the recall or affected products can reach TreeHouse Foods at 800-596-2903, available Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST.
Listeria Risks on the Rise in Food Products
While no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled frozen waffles, the Listeria organism has led to numerous recalls across various food sectors recently. Earlier this year, over 7.2 million pounds of Boar’s Head deli meats were recalled after a listeria outbreak claimed at least nine lives. More recently, BrucePac pulled nearly 10 million pounds of meat products from the market due to potential contamination risks. This trend underscores the persistent challenge Listeria monocytogenes poses to food safety in the U.S., with federal agencies and companies alike implementing strict testing and recall measures to protect public health.