Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Listeria,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on September 8, 2025
It may be a coincidence that a recall for peas and carrots products is announced on the same day the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds an active foodborne outbreak to their table for the same bacterial pathogen.
Maybe.
But it is certainly something to keep an eye on.
Regardless, consumers should check their fridges and freezers for the recalled peas and carrots product and monitor for symptoms if they get sick. Additional vigilance involving foods commonly associated with Listeria contamination should also be observed.
Here’s what we know so far about the newly announced Listeria outbreak and the frozen peas and carrots recall.
On September 4, 2025, Endico Potatoes, of Mount Vernon, New York issued a recall for their Endico brand frozen peas and carrots and mixed vegetable “because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infection.”
Recalled product was packaged in frozen, 2.5lb clear plastic bags bearing the Endico label.
Affected lot codes include:
Affected product was distributed to the states of Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and District of Columbia between July 18, 2025 and August 4, 2025.
This frozen peas and carrots recall was prompted by the discovery of Listeria monocytogenes in product samples.
Routine sampling activities performed by the state of Pennsylvania at one of the Endico distributors found Listeria monocytogenes bacteria in finished products.
In addition to ceasing distribution of products, the company issued a recall and is investigating the source of this contamination.
According to the recall press release, “no illnesses have been reported to date.” However, it often takes three weeks or more for sick patient samples to be connected to contaminated products. Specialized testing known as whole genome sequencing can match outbreak strains to collected contaminated product samples. But the process takes time.
While it is possible that both the recall and outbreak were announced on the same day, I am reminded of the old adage. When you hear hoof beats, think horses. Not zebras. The most obvious statement is likely.
On September 4, 2025, the FDA added a new Listeria monocytogenes outbreak to their active investigation of foodborne illness outbreaks table.
So far, 25 people have been diagnosed with the same strain of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
The outbreak investigation is in the early stages, so no samples or site visits have been performed. However, I suspect this will come shortly.
In the meantime, whether you consumed recalled frozen peas and carrots or not, extra vigilance in reducing your risk of Listeria illness is important. As is recognizing the symptoms.
Listeria symptoms can vary from mild to life-threatening. The type of illness and severity are often determined by the location of infection and oddly, pregnancy status. Those who are pregnant often experience milder symptoms. However, the greatest impact involves the pregnancy and newborn.
Intestinal illness is the most common form of Listeria symptoms. This type of illness is limited to the digestive system. Most people experience vomiting and diarrhea that often begins within 24 hours of consuming something contaminated with Listeria bacteria with symptoms usually resolving within three days. In most cases, people recover on their own without the need for medical treatment. Those in higher risk groups may experience more severe illness that requires antibiotic treatment and hospitalization.
In some cases, Listeria bacteria may leave the digestive system and enter other parts of the body resulting in invasive illness. This condition often develops around two weeks after consuming something contaminated with Listeria bacteria. This type of illness affects those who are pregnant differently than those who are not pregnant.
People who are not pregnant may experience headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Some people may also experience fever or muscle aches. This type of illness can be severe and even life-threatening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 1 in 20 non-pregnant people with invasive Listeria infections will die from their illness. Most people with invasive Listeria infections need medical treatment and often require hospitalization.
Those who are pregnant often experience milder personal symptoms. These may include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. The greater risk, however, is associated with the pregnancy itself. Listeria infections during pregnancy may lead to still birth, premature delivery, miscarriage, or life-threatening infection in the newborn.
If frozen peas and carrots are not the source of the newly announced Listeria outbreak, what food could be the source?
Technically, Listeria bacteria can contaminate just about any food. It is, after all, typically foodborne. However, there are some foods more commonly associated with Listeria infections than others.
Past Listeria outbreaks in the United States have been linked to:
If you or a loved one have become sick from eating frozen peas and carrots or diagnosed with a Listeria infection, there are things you can do to help yourself and others who may become sick from the same source.
Local, state, and national public health agencies are working to discover the source of this Listeria outbreak. Whether you are seriously ill or experiencing mild symptoms, reporting your illness can help with the public health investigation.
Make a list of the foods you have eaten in the month prior to becoming sick. Be as specific as possible, including where you got them and when you ate them.
Investigators may also request copies of receipts, shopper card numbers for stores that use them, or leftover food for testing. All this data may help pinpoint a specific food, location, or supplier as the source of contamination.
If you become seriously ill or are in a high-risk group, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Listeria infections can be fatal and have serious consequences for those who are pregnant. Identification and monitoring symptoms could be the difference between recovery and severe outcomes.
Your body requires water. Intestinal illness with vomiting and diarrheal symptoms can deplete your body of important hydration. Drink plenty of fluids and monitor yourself for signs of dehydration.
Dry mouth and throat, dizziness upon standing, and producing very little urine are key dehydration symptoms. If you are unable to replace lost fluids by drinking them, you may need IV fluids from a healthcare provider.
If you are experiencing severe illness and your life is impacted by this Listeria outbreak, it is a good idea to get advice from a Listeria outbreak lawyer. A Listeria illness can mean weeks or even months of recovery time. This can have a significant impact on many areas of your life.
An experienced Listeria outbreak lawyer can go over the details of your case and help you navigate the legal system to recover the financial compensation you deserve. Lost wages, medical expenses, and other related financial hardships add up.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has recovered millions of dollars for families with cases just like yours. With a specialty in contamination, products liability, and food safety cases, you can trust the Listeria lawyers of The Lange Law Firm, PLLC to navigate this complicated legal process on your behalf.
Don’t wait! Contact The Lange Law Firm, PLLC today!
Call (833) 330-3663 or click here to fill out an online submission form to get started today with a free consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)