A Las Vegas company is recalling Trader Joe’s brand frozen edamame because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

“The recalled ‘Trader Joe’s Lightly Salted Edamame’ was sold at Trader Joe’s retail stores only in the Arizona, Southern California, Southern Nevada and Utah regions. All affected product has been removed from sale and destroyed,” according to the recall notice from the recalling company, Tesoros Trading Co. in Las Vegas.

Consumers could have unused portions of the recalled product because it is sold frozen and has a long shelf life if kept frozen.

To determine whether they have any of the recalled Trader Joe’s edamame consumers should look for 16-ounce plastic packages stamped with one of the following lot numbers: 22LA102 M or 22LA102 N or 22LA102 P.   

The company’s recall notice, posted by the Food and Drug Administration, says it is cooperating with the government in an investigation of the situation. It does not indicate how the contamination was discovered.

Consumers who have edamame with the affected codes are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 702-706-5263.

About Listeria infections

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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