Veggie Burgers Recalled Over Listeria Risk

By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD

Dec. 3, 2012 -- Veggie Patch is recalling two of its products -- "The Ultimate Meatless Burger" and "Falafel" -- because of possible contamination with listeria.

No illnesses have been reported. Veggie Patch states that it discovered the issue during routine testing of its products.

The recall includes:

• The Ultimate Meatless Burger: 9-ounce trays with a "Use-By" date of Jan/12/2013 and UPC code 6-10129-00211-5 (check the back of package). These were sold at A&P, Big Y, Food Town, Giant, Roche Bros., and Stop & Shop stores in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Virginia -- and in Canada's Costco Saint-Bruno and Brampton stores -- starting on Nov. 21, 2012.
• Falafel: 9-ounce trays with a "Use-By" date of Jan/15/2013 and UPC code 6-10129-06619-3 (which can be found on back of package). These were sold nationwide at Gristedes, Harris Teeter, Market Basket, and ShopRite starting on Nov. 21, 2012.

Both products are fully cooked and refrigerated. Frozen Veggie Patch products are not part of the recall.

If you have either recalled item, don't eat it. Throw it out and email Veggie Patch at contactus@veggiepatch.com to arrange for a refund.

Listeria infection can cause fever, headache, neck stiffness, and muscle aches, often preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. It's particularly risky for older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns.

For more information, contact VeggiePatch at 888-807-0765 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or email contactus@veggiepatch.com.

SOURCE: News release, FDA.

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