DLCA Warns of Food Recall Affecting Territory

ST. CROIX – An Atlanta-area food distributor is voluntarily recalling its frozen foods and smoothie ingredients lines after finding Listeria monocytogenes in its Georgia facilities, according to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs.

Inventure Foods issued the recall April 23 on its Fresh Frozen™ line of frozen vegetables as well as select varieties of its Jamba “At Home” line of smoothie ingredients, DLCA said.

“There have been no reports of illnesses linked to this recall but the company has decided to err on the side of caution,” DLCA said.

The products are being sold at some supermarkets throughout the Virgin Islands.

Listeria is a bacteria that is naturally found in soil, water, dust, etc. Listeriosis is food poisoning caused by eating foods contaminated with the Listeria. Listeriosis can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Healthy people could suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The company said on its website that to date they have found no known sickness linked to consumption of Fresh Frozen™ vegetables or its Jamba “At Home” Smoothies.

“We wish to err on the side of caution, so we urge our customers to return your package to the place of purchase for a refund,” Inventure Foods said in a prepared statement.

Inventure Foods said people experiencing any of the above symptoms of listeria should promptly consult their doctor.

Consumers who purchased any variety of Fresh Frozen™ IQF frozen vegetables or Jamba® “At Home” Smoothies are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

If you have already thrown away your package, you can simply provide a receipt of purchase for full refund.

Consumers with additional questions may contact Inventure Foods Customer Service department at 866-890-1004 or email [email protected].