Eight people in three states, including one in Maryland, were infected with Listeria linked to frozen vegetables, and state and federal health officials are warning consumers to not eat products from CRF Frozen Foods Co. suspected in the contamination.
The Maryland patient was hospitalized and died, though health officials say the bacteria was not considered the cause of death. They provided no more information.
Pasco, Wash.-based CRF has recalled all frozen vegetable and fruit products sold nationwide and in Canada since May 1. They have "sell by" dates between April 26, 2016 and April 26, 2018. The 358 products were sold under 42 separate brands, including store brands sold at Trader Joe's, Walmart, Sam's Club, Safeway, Costco and others. The list can be found on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website.
The FDA, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and officials from other affected states continue to investigate.
An infection from listeria can be life threatening. The disease primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, seniors and people with compromised immune systems. Symptoms usually start within several days of consuming contaminated food and include diarrhea, fever and muscle aches. The bacteria can cause a bloodstream infection.
The disease is treated with antibiotics.