# Urgent Food Recall: 57,000 Bags of Frozen Rice Blend Pulled Nationwide – Check Your Freezer Now!
In a world of busy schedules, the convenience of a quick, healthy meal from the freezer is a modern-day blessing. But today, we urge you to pause before you reach for that easy dinner. A significant food safety issue has prompted a **recall alert: more than 57,000 bags of frozen rice blend have been pulled from shelves** across the country due to potential health risks.
This isn’t just a minor issue; it’s a nationwide recall affecting a popular product that could be sitting in your freezer right now. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to identify the recalled product, understand the risks involved, and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family.
## What Products Are Included in the Recall?
The most critical step is to determine if you have the affected product. The recall specifically targets one brand and product, so it’s crucial to check the packaging details carefully.
### Brand and Product Name
The recall applies exclusively to:
* **Product:** Infinite Fields Organic Brown Rice & Vegetable Medley
* **Size:** 16-ounce (1 lb) stand-up, resealable freezer bag.
The packaging is primarily green and yellow, featuring an image of the rice and vegetable blend in a white bowl.
### Identifying Lot Codes and Best-By Dates
The company has isolated the potential contamination to specific production batches. To check if your bag is part of the recall, look for the lot code and best-by date printed in a white box on the back of the bag, usually near the bottom.
The recalled products will have one of the following combinations:
* **Best-By Date: OCT 22 2025**
* Lot Codes: B24-315, B24-316, B24-317
* **Best-By Date: OCT 23 2025**
* Lot Codes: B24-318, B24-319, B24-320
* **Best-By Date: NOV 05 2025**
* Lot Codes: B24-331, B24-332
If the best-by date and lot code on your bag match any of the combinations listed above, it is part of the recall.
### UPC Code
Another way to verify the product is by checking the Universal Product Code (UPC) located beneath the barcode.
* **Recalled UPC:** 8 50015 89211 4
If your bag of Infinite Fields Organic Brown Rice & Vegetable Medley has this UPC and one of the lot codes listed, you should not consume it.
## Why Was the Frozen Rice Blend Recalled?
The voluntary recall was initiated by the parent company, Green Pantry Organics, after routine internal testing revealed the potential presence of *Listeria monocytogenes* in the finished product. The company immediately halted production and distribution and is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the source of the contamination.
### The Dangers of *Listeria monocytogenes*
*Listeria monocytogenes* is a harmful bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. Unlike many other bacteria, Listeria can grow and spread even in cold temperatures, such as those inside a refrigerator or freezer.
While healthy individuals may only experience short-term symptoms like high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, a Listeria infection can be far more serious for certain vulnerable groups.
* **Pregnant Women:** Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
* **Older Adults:** Seniors are at a higher risk of developing severe complications.
* **People with Weakened Immune Systems:** This includes individuals with cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, or those who have had an organ transplant.
### Symptoms of Listeriosis
Symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to two months after eating contaminated food. If you have consumed the recalled product and are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately:
* Fever and chills
* Muscle aches
* Severe headache
* Stiff neck
* Confusion or changes in alertness
* Loss of balance
* Convulsions
Prompt medical treatment with antibiotics can help manage the infection and prevent serious complications.
## What Should You Do If You Have the Recalled Product?
If you have confirmed that your frozen rice blend is part of this recall, follow these steps to ensure your safety.
1. **Do Not Eat It:** This is the most important step. Do not consume the product under any circumstances, even if it looks and smells normal. Cooking may not be sufficient to kill all the bacteria, so it is not worth the risk.
2. **Safely Dispose of the Product:** To prevent others or animals from accidentally consuming it, seal the product in a plastic bag and place it in a secure trash receptacle.
3. **Clean Your Freezer:** Since Listeria can survive in freezing temperatures and potentially contaminate other surfaces, it’s wise to clean and sanitize any areas where the product was stored. Use a solution of one tablespoon of liquid bleach to one gallon of hot water to wipe down shelves and drawers.
4. **Get a Full Refund:** The company is offering a full refund for the recalled product. You can either return the product to the store where you purchased it for a full refund or contact Green Pantry Organics directly. You can reach their customer service team at 1-800-555-0199, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, or by email at [email protected].
## Staying Informed About Food Recalls
This **recall alert for more than 57,000 bags of frozen rice blend** serves as a vital reminder to stay vigilant about food safety. To keep up-to-date on the latest food recalls and public health alerts, consider these resources:
* **FDA Website:** The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is the primary source for information on recalled food products (excluding meat, poultry, and eggs). Visit [FDA.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts](https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts).
* **USDA Website:** For recalls related to meat, poultry, and egg products, check the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) page.
* **Sign Up for Alerts:** Both the FDA and USDA offer email subscription services to notify you directly when a new recall is announced.
Your health is not something to leave to chance. Take a moment today to check your freezer. By staying informed and taking swift action, you can help ensure the food you and your loved ones eat is safe.
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