Shoppers in 29 states may want to take a second look at their refrigerators after a Walmart-exclusive tomato soup kit was recalled over possible Listeria contamination.
CBS News reported that 3,240 of the kits were sent to Walmart stores across those states.
Here's what to know
Kettle Cuisine is recalling the tomato soup kits after testing found Listeria in the product, the company announced. The Food and Drug Administration said the affected kits were distributed exclusively to Walmart locations, with shipments going out between June 30 and July 7.
There have been no confirmed illnesses connected to the recalled kits so far, the announcement said. Even so, the FDA said Listeria can lead to serious sickness, including symptoms such as headaches, neck stiffness, nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
The risk can be especially serious for pregnant people, older adults, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems, even if the product appears normal and shows no obvious signs of spoilage.
CBS News reported that Walmart did not immediately comment on the recall.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
More background
A single prepared grocery item may pass through multiple suppliers, processing facilities, and store locations before it reaches a shopper's kitchen.
That can make contamination harder to catch early and increase the number of people who may be exposed when something goes wrong.
In this case, the recall covers a relatively small number of units, but the multi-state distribution shows how quickly a food safety issue can move through a major retail network. The pattern has been picking up in recent years, which points to gaps in oversight, supply chain shortcuts, or inconsistent safety standards.
Listeria is an all-too-common contaminant that has even proved deadly in a cheese recall in June.
What can be done?
Consumers who bought the recalled tomato soup kit should not eat it, per the announcement. The FDA advised shoppers to either throw away the product or bring it back to the Walmart store for a refund.
The agency also said people should wash their hands after handling the product and clean any surfaces it may have touched, because bacteria can spread from packaging or spills onto counters, refrigerator shelves, or utensils.
Anyone who purchased the soup kits during the June 30 to July 7 distribution window should review what they brought home, especially if the item is still in the fridge or freezer.
If someone in the household has symptoms associated with Listeria exposure, contacting a medical professional may be the safest next step.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
