Trader Joe's Recalls Granola Products Amid Concerns of Listeria Contamination

 Posted on June 27,2017 in Food poisoning attorney

In June of 2017, Trader Joe's recalled a few of the granola products it carries, including one of its store brand products, due to concerns that they could potentially be contaminated with listeria. No cases of food poisoning involving these products have been reported yet, but Trader Joe's has proactively opted to recall the products and offer full refunds to any individuals who return them to a Trader Joe's store.

Which Products were Recalled?

The recalled products were:

• Trader Joe's Grainless Granola. This product was recalled in Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia; and
• Nationwide, Wildway recalled its Apple Cinnamon, Banana Nut grain-free granola, Coconut Cashew grain-free granola, and Vanilla Bean Espresso grain-free granola.

Other stores and manufacturers, such as Kroger and Bulletproof360, have recalled granola and nut products due to the contamination concerns.

Symptoms of Listeriosis

Listeria poisoning can cause a victim to suffer from listeriosis. Anybody can suffer from listeriosis, but it is especially dangerous for the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Listeriosis symptoms include:

• Nausea;
• Diarrhea;
• Muscle aches; and
• Fever.

If the infection spreads to the victim's nervous system, he or she can experience the following symptoms:

• Loss of balance;
• Headaches;
• Stiff neck; and
• Convulsions.

What Should I do if I Have these Items in My Home?

Trader Joe's urges any individual with one or more of the affected products in his or her home to throw the product in the trash or return it to the store for a full refund. Under no circumstances should an individual consume the product.

Protecting Your Family from Food Poisoning Outbreaks

The best way to protect yourself and your family from food poisoning outbreaks like the one detailed above is to stay up to date on recent food recalls and food poisoning outbreaks. Use websites like recalls.gov to see when new recalls are issued.

Food poisoning can be transmitted through other means as well, such as restaurant food and food served in cafeterias. In this type of setting, opt for food that has been thoroughly cooked and avoid foods that have been left out for prolonged periods of time, like hot buffet items. If you are concerned about potential food poisoning issues in your child's school, send him or her with a bagged lunch from home.

Work with an Experienced Elk Grove Food Poisoning Lawyer

If you or your child have suffered from food poisoning after purchasing food from a retailer, a restaurant, or another type of food vendor, you can potentially be entitled to collect monetary compensation for your damages through a food poisoning claim. To learn more, contact our team of experienced food poisoning lawyers at Newland & Newland, LLP today to set up your initial legal consultation in our office. We serve clients in the Arlington Heights, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Libertyville, Mundelein, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, and Itasca areas.

(image courtesy of Jennifer Pallian)