Lidl's Cocktail Shrimp Recalled Over Possible Listeria Contamination
Foodborne pathogens are one of the most common causes of food recalls, according to the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. In February, for example, over 400 ready-to-eat packaged food products were recalled from a single company — Fresh Ideation Food Group LLC — due to possible contamination with listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported.
More recently, the FDA announced that contamination with listeria monocytogenes was also the reason behind the recall of Tapas Cocktail Shrimp by the grocer Lidl. The ready-to-eat shrimp products were pulled from all of Lidl's U.S.-based supermarkets due to the March 1 recall, which occurred after the pathogen's presence was discovered during testing. Lidl's supermarkets are located in nine states (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia), as well as the District of Columbia.
Lidl US has also stopped making its Tapas Cocktail Shrimp during an ongoing investigation into the cause of the contamination, which is being undertaken cooperatively with the FDA, per the latter agency.
How to confirm whether you've purchased the recalled shrimp
If you believe you may have bought the Tapas Cocktail Shrimp By Lidl, there is one easy way to find out, per the FDA. The 7-ounce ready-to-eat packages all have the same UPC: 4056489411499. If you do have the product at home, do not eat it. The FDA recommends taking it back to the Lidl supermarket where it was purchased. Full refunds will be issued, even without receipts.
Although no illnesses have been reported as a result of the contaminated shrimp, per the FDA, infection with listeria monocytogenes is a serious medical issue. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1,500 people are thought to be afflicted with the foodborne pathogen annually in the U.S. Listeria is also responsible for 260 deaths each year. The elderly, pregnant women, infants, and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk due to infections.
Tapas Cocktail Shrimp by Lidl is not the only product Lidl US has recalled in recent months. In December 2022, the company had to recall its Favorina Advent Calendars due to the possible presence of another foodborne pathogen, in that case, salmonella, per the FDA.