Dr Praeger's Black Bean Burger Recall
Dr Praeger's Sensible Foods, a New Jersey-based company known for its vegetarian and vegan frozen food options, has issued a recall for its Black Bean Burgers due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may only experience short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, listeria can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Recall Details
The recall affects the following products:
- Dr Praeger's Black Bean Burger, 4-ounce, UPC 080868000102, with best by dates of 01/27/22, 03/22/22, and 04/14/22
- Dr Praeger's Black Bean Burger, 10-ounce, UPC 080868000108, with best by dates of 01/27/22, 03/22/22, and 04/14/22
The affected products were distributed nationwide in the United States to retail stores and through foodservice channels. Dr Praeger's has identified the potential contamination during routine testing and is working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the matter.
What to Do If You Have the Affected Product
If you have purchased any of the recalled products, do not consume them. Instead, either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with questions or concerns about the recall can contact Dr Praeger's customer service hotline at 1-877-573-2474, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Preventing Listeria Infections
Listeria monocytogenes can be found in soil, water, and some animals, including cows and poultry. It can also be transmitted through contaminated food, such as deli meats, soft cheeses, and raw sprouts.
To reduce your risk of listeria infection, follow these tips:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food.
- Cook meat, poultry, and fish to the proper temperature to kill any bacteria.
- Avoid unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or cooking.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly and discard any food that has been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours.
Conclusion
Dr Praeger's Black Bean Burger recall is a cautionary tale of how even the most health-conscious brands can be affected by food safety issues. If you have purchased any of the affected products, it's important to take immediate action and either dispose of them or return them for a refund. As always, practicing good food safety habits can go a long way in preventing listeria and other foodborne illnesses.