Wiers Farm recalls cucumbers distributed to Walmart stores because of Listeria

Wiers Farm Inc. of Willard, OH, voluntarily recalls whole cucumbers with a pack date of June 5 and bagged salad cucumbers with a pack date of June 5 and June 6 after testing showed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. 

The company announced the recall on July 12, but the Food and Drug Administration did not post it until July 16.

The cucumbers were distributed to Walmart stores in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

The cucumbers were not grown or harvested by Wiers Farm. They were sourced from an unnamed out-of-state source and then handled and distributed by Wiers Farm. Wiers Farm Inc. is coordinating closely with regulatory officials regarding the recall.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development discovered the potential contamination through routine sampling.

No illnesses or consumer complaints have been reported to the company to date.

The recalled products were sold in plain packaging with the words Wiers Farm on the label. The recall includes whole cucumbers 1.5 to 2.5 inches in diameter and 6 to 9 inches in length.

Also included in the recall are “salad cucumbers” sold in 2-pound bags. They are in clear plastic bags.

Consumers should discard the cucumbers. The product involved is past its shelf life and should already be out of distribution, but if consumers have any product they question, do not consume it, but rather discard it. For any questions or concerns, consumers may contact the company at 419-933-2161 or email customercare@wiersfarm.com.

“We have taken immediate steps to address this isolated incident, and we are collaborating closely with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) to ensure a swift resolution,” according to the company’s recall notice.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled cucumbers should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because symptoms of listeriosis can develop up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications, and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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