Gias Foods Expands Recall for Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine Due to Listeria Concerns

Gias Foods, Inc. is expanding its recall of Bettergoods brand Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine because of potential listeria contamination, according to an alert from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The frozen pasta, now including every lot code, was distributed nationwide to Walmart stores. It is packaged in 22-ounce yellow plastic with a UPC number of 194346442706. Despite the recall, there have been no reported illnesses linked to the pasta.

This year has seen several recalls across the country due to potential dangers like contamination, lack of inspection, or undeclared allergens. Recently, Star Meat Delivery Inc. recalled about 167,639 pounds of various meats produced without federal inspection.

A Walmart spokesperson stated that safety is a top priority, and when notified of recalls, the company acts quickly to remove affected products, blocking sales at registers and online. Customers are advised to stop using the product and follow recall instructions.

Details of the Recall

The recall followed routine sampling by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which indicated the potential presence of bacteria. Distribution of the product has been halted as the FDA and the company investigate the source of the problem. The product was designated as Class I, a situation where use or exposure could cause serious health consequences or death.

Consumers who purchased the recalled pasta should return it to the purchase location for a refund. Additional questions can be directed to the company’s email at [email protected]. Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe infections in vulnerable populations and may also result in miscarriages or stillbirths. Healthy individuals could experience fever, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, severe headache, and stiffness.

Recall Concerns and Foodborne Illnesses

The recall of the pasta occurs amid increased attention to foodborne illnesses, including cases of salmonella and cyclospora. Earlier, the CDC announced the end of a cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which sickened thousands. Fresh jalapenos associated with salmonella concerns led to further recalls affecting salsas and dips, with nearly 500 people affected and 65 hospitalized as of the latest FDA report.

Keith Schneider, a food safety professor at UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, explained that large companies distribute extensive amounts of food, increasing the chance of detecting issues. He noted that contamination in large-scale distribution is easier to identify, but it doesn’t imply lesser safety.