Vegetables and herbs sold at Walmart and Aldi recalled due to possible listeria contamination

• Walmart recalls products.
• Possibly contaminated vegetables and herbs.
• Listeria bacteria detected.

More than a dozen vegetables, including peppers, cucumbers and zucchini, have been recalled due to possible listeria contamination.

The recall affects products sold at select Walmart and Aldi stores, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said.

This measure is an expansion of the recall announced by Wiers Farm on July 12.

Originally affecting a limited number of whole cucumbers and bagged cucumbers used for salad.

Walmart and Aldi products are being recalled

Photo: Shutterstock

The product was not grown or harvested by Wiers Farm, but was “handled and distributed” by the company, the FDA said.

Retail packaged produce such as poblanos, cubaneles, green beans, organic bell peppers, serranos, jalapeños and zucchini are included in the recall.

Aldi and Walmart sold these items in states including Delaware, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia and Connecticut.

The full list of affected products can be found on the FDA’s website, NBC News reported.

«Aldi prioritizes the safety and integrity of the products it sells,» the company said in a press release.

«If customers have products affected by this recall, they are advised to discard them immediately or return them to their local store for a full refund,» it added.

A Walmart spokesperson told NBC News on Friday that the contaminated products have been removed from stores.

The company is also “working with the supplier to investigate the cause” of the contamination, it said.

«The health and safety of our customers is always a priority,» a Walmart spokesperson stressed following the recall.

This measure also includes bulk vegetable items sold individually or by the pound, as well as bulk herbs, such as cilantro and parsley.

Listeria, a bacteria that can contaminate many foods, often causes illness in pregnant women.

As well as in newborns, people with a weakened immune system or people 65 years of age or older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It can cause intestinal illnesses such as diarrhea and vomiting that typically begin 24 hours after exposure, according to the CDC.

If the bacteria spreads beyond the intestines, symptoms may include fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.

The CDC estimates that listeria is the third leading cause of foodborne illness deaths in the United States.

The FDA said no illnesses or consumer complaints have been reported due to the contamination so far.

This recall is a precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety and prevent possible cases of listeriosis.

Listeria monocytogenes is a resistant bacteria that can grow at refrigeration temperatures, making it particularly dangerous in fresh produce.

Supermarkets have issued alerts to their customers and have reinforced cleaning and food safety protocols in their establishments.

And consumers who have purchased the affected products should be alert for any symptoms of listeriosis and consult a doctor if they experience severe symptoms.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

The commitment of businesses and authorities to food safety is crucial to maintaining public confidence in the food supply.

Collaboration between retailers, distributors and regulatory bodies is essential to effectively address and resolve these types of situations.

The withdrawal of these vegetables and herbs serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety, said NBC News.

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