Trader Joe's and Walmart Expand Frozen Berry Recall

A voluntary recall of certain frozen berry products has been expanded to include items sold at Trader Joe's and Walmart, following an initial recall initiated by Wawona Packing Company. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the expanded recall on March 1, 2024, affecting consumers nationwide. The products in question are potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Listeria infection can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recall specifically targets bags of "Trader Joe's Organic Strawberry'', "Trader Joe's Organic Triple Berry'', and "Trader Joe's Organic Raspberries''. These products were distributed to Trader Joe's stores across the United States. Additionally, Walmart is recalling "Great Value Frozen Strawberries'' and "Great Value Mixed Berries''. The affected Walmart products were sold in various states, and consumers are advised to check the specific product packaging and lot codes for confirmation. The recalled items are typically found in the frozen food aisle of these retail stores.

Wawona Packing Company, based in Clovis, California, is the primary supplier of the frozen berries. The company first initiated a recall on February 26, 2024, for its own branded frozen berries due to the same contamination concern. The expanded recall by Trader Joe's and Walmart signifies a broader reach of the potentially contaminated product into the supply chains of major grocery retailers. Consumers who have purchased any of the identified frozen berry products are strongly advised not to consume them. Instead, they should either discard the items safely or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. The FDA is monitoring the situation and providing updates on its website regarding the scope and details of the recall. Retailers are cooperating with the recall process to ensure affected products are removed from shelves and consumer awareness is maximized.