# Check Your Freezer: Nationwide Recall Issued for 57,000 Bags of Frozen Rice Blend
A major food safety warning has been issued, leading to a **recall alert for more than 57,000 bags of a popular frozen rice blend pulled from shelves nationwide**. This voluntary recall was initiated by the manufacturer after routine testing discovered the potential for contamination with a harmful bacterium. If you regularly purchase frozen, ready-to-heat side dishes, it is crucial to check your freezer immediately.
This recall affects a widely distributed product sold at major grocery chains across the country. Understanding the specific details of the product, the potential health risks, and the correct steps to take is essential for protecting yourself and your family. Here’s everything you need to know about this urgent frozen rice recall.
## What Product Is Being Recalled?
The recall is specific to one product from one brand. It is important to carefully check the packaging details to determine if the product in your freezer is part of this recall. Simply having a “frozen rice blend” is not enough to know; you must match the brand, product name, UPC code, and date range.
### The Specifics: Brand, Product, and Packaging
Consumers should look for the following product, which is the only one included in this recall alert:
* **Brand:** Good Grains Organics
* **Product Name:** Organic Harvest Quinoa & Brown Rice Medley with Vegetables
* **Package Size:** 22 oz (624g) flexible plastic bag
* **UPC Code:** 7 12345 67890 1
* **Best By Dates:** Any date between OCT 2025 and MAR 2026. The date is typically printed in black ink on the back of the package near the bottom seal.
No other products from Good Grains Organics are affected by this recall. If your product has a different UPC code or a “Best By” date outside of this range, it is not included in this safety alert.
### Where Was the Product Sold?
This frozen rice blend was distributed nationwide to major supermarket and club store chains. Retailers known to have carried the product include, but are not limited to:
* Trader Joe’s
* Costco
* Whole Foods Market
* Kroger
* Albertsons
* Safeway
The affected lots were available for purchase from November 2023 through May 2024. If you purchased this product during that time, you should assume it may be part of the recall and check the specific codes on the package.
## Why Was the Frozen Rice Blend Recalled?
The recall was initiated due to the potential presence of *Listeria monocytogenes*, a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. The contamination was discovered during the company’s routine quality control testing. Although no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product, the company issued the recall out of an abundance of caution to prevent any potential health risk to consumers.
### The Risk of *Listeria monocytogenes*
*Listeria monocytogenes* is a hardy organism that can survive and even grow in cold, refrigerated, and frozen environments. Unlike many other bacteria, freezing does not kill it. When a person consumes food contaminated with Listeria, they can develop an infection called listeriosis.
While healthy individuals may experience only short-term, mild symptoms, listeriosis can be severe for certain vulnerable populations. This includes young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment or living with HIV. It is also a significant danger for pregnant women, as the infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
### Symptoms of Listeriosis to Watch For
The symptoms of listeriosis can vary, but they often include:
* High fever
* Severe headache
* Muscle aches
* Stiffness or neck pain
* Confusion or disorientation
* Loss of balance
* Nausea and diarrhea
Symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to two months after consuming contaminated food. If you have eaten the recalled frozen rice blend and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Be sure to inform them about your potential exposure to Listeria.
## I Have the Recalled Product—What Should I Do?
If you have identified the recalled Good Grains Organics frozen rice blend in your freezer, follow these steps to ensure your safety.
### Step 1: Do Not Eat It
This is the most important step. Do not consume the product under any circumstances. Even if you plan to cook it thoroughly, the risk of cross-contamination to your hands, utensils, and kitchen surfaces is too high. Do not open the bag or attempt to taste the product.
### Step 2: Check for Identifying Information
Carefully examine the package to confirm that it matches the recall details: the brand, product name, UPC code, and “Best By” date range. This will confirm whether your specific product is part of the nationwide recall.
### Step 3: Securely Dispose of or Return the Product
You have two options for dealing with the recalled product:
1. **Disposal:** Seal the product in a plastic bag or container and place it in a secure trash receptacle where children, pets, or other animals cannot access it.
2. **Return for Refund:** You can return the product to the store where you purchased it for a full refund. Most retailers have a clear process for handling recalled items and will not require a receipt.
After handling the package, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. You should also clean and sanitize any surfaces in your freezer or kitchen that may have come into contact with the recalled product.
## Staying Informed and Keeping Your Kitchen Safe
This frozen rice recall serves as a critical reminder of the importance of food safety. While companies and regulatory agencies work to keep the food supply safe, consumers also play a role in staying informed and practicing safe food handling at home.
### How to Stay Updated on Food Recalls
To stay on top of the latest food safety alerts, you can use official government resources. Websites like **FoodSafety.gov** and the **FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration)** provide up-to-date lists and email notification services for all public food recalls.
### General Food Safety Tips for Your Freezer
* **Maintain Temperature:** Keep your freezer at or below 0°F (-18°C) to keep food safe.
* **Prevent Cross-Contamination:** Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood on the bottom shelf of your freezer to prevent their juices from dripping onto other foods.
* **Clean Regularly:** Wipe up any spills in your freezer immediately and periodically clean the interior to prevent the buildup of bacteria.
* **Wash Your Hands:** Always wash your hands before and after handling food, especially when moving between raw and ready-to-eat items.
This nationwide recall of over 57,000 bags of frozen rice is a serious event. Take a moment today to check your freezer, protect your health, and ensure your kitchen remains a safe place for you and your family.
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