Chicago, IL (October 31st, 2024) – On October 22nd, 2024, TreeHouse Foods issued a voluntary expansion of their product recall to include all of their frozen pancake and waffle products due to listeria contamination. Recalled products were distributed nationwide throughout the United States and Canada.
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The places these products were sold at include, but aren’t limited to, Aldi, Kroger, Dollar General, HEB, Publix, Albertson’s, Target, and Walmart, including some brand names like Great Value, Clover Valley, Private Select, Always Save, Kodiak Cakes, and Best Choice. A full list of affected products can be found here and on TreeHouse Foods’ website.
All of these products have a lot code beginning with 2C, and best by dates ranging from Oct. 1st, 2024 to October 11th 2025. A separate statement was released by TreeHouse Foods that affected Costco shoppers, indicating Krusteaz 24 count Belgian Waffles purchased between Oct 13th, 2023 and October 21st, 2024, are also affected by this recall.
What Is Listeria?
Listeria, or listeriosis, is an illness caused by Listeria monocytogenes, which is a pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria often found in moist environments, water, decaying vegetation and animals, and soil. This bacteria is capable of surviving and growing in refrigeration and other food preservation measures.
Symptoms of Listeria
This illness has a range of symptoms, which can last from several days to several weeks. Symptoms of Listeria can include mild symptoms such as
- Fever
- Muscle Aches
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Diarrhea
More serious symptoms of Listeria can include
- Headaches
- Stiff Neck
- Loss of Balance
- Confusion
- Convulsions
Listeriosis can result in death if the infected individual is elderly, immune compromised, or a very young child.
Symptoms of listeriosis can start to show anywhere from a few hours to a few days from the time the contaminated food was consumed, and more serious forms of listeria can show up as long as three months from the time of consumption.
What to Do if I Have a Recalled Product
If you have a product affected by the frozen waffle and pancake recall, do not consume it or feed it to pets. Return the contaminated product to the place of purchase for a refund. If you are unable to return the product, dispose of the recalled product in an outside trash can with a lid. Once the product has been removed from your home, it is recommended that you clean any surface the product has come in contact with. This can include refrigerator shelving and walls, cutting boards, countertops, and utensils. After handling contaminated products and cleaning surfaces they have come into contact with, it is recommended that you wash your hands to lessen the chances of spreading the bacteria.
In the event you have consumed the contaminated product, watch yourself for symptoms. Individuals showing symptoms of listeriosis should contact their doctor right away. If serious or life-threatening symptoms occur, affected individuals should go to the emergency room for treatment.
Who Can I Hold Liable for Food Poisoning?
Many entities along the food production and distribution chain could be held liable for an illness contracted from contaminated foods. This chain often ranges from production all the way to distribution and storage at stores and other establishments that receive such products. A product liability lawyer can help you determine who to hold liable in your case. Factors like improper packaging, improper shipping methods, improper storage, and a lack of cleanliness can all contribute to a product becoming contaminated.
How Long Do I Have to File My Product Liability Claim?
Typically, in a product liability claim, victims have two years from the date of injury to file a claim. There are certain circumstances that can affect this deadline, however, so it is wise to contact an attorney to learn how the statute of limitations affects your claim.
What Damages Can I Get in a Product Liability Claim?
The damages you can receive in your product liability claim vary depending on the circumstances of your claim, however, typically, damages relating to your illness/injury that you can recover include:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Prescription Costs
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Trauma
In some cases, punitive damages may be rewarded if it is found that the liable party’s actions were egregious. Additionally, if you lost a loved one due to the unreasonably dangerous product, you may be awarded funeral expenses, however, you would most likely need to file a wrongful death claim to be awarded funeral expenses.
A product liability lawyer at Ankin Law can help you if you suffered illness or injury due to a recalled product. Contact us today to hold the party responsible for your damages liable.
