A Texas company has recalled cheese stuffed shells after laboratory tests showed Listeria monocytogenes in the finished product.

Garland Ventures Ltd. of Garland, TX, has stopped production of the implicated product, according to a company recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration.

The recalled “Five Cheese Stuffed Shells” product was distributed nationwide in a limited number of retail stores.

“The product ‘Five Cheese Stuffed Shells’ comes in 10.76 ounces containing shells with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and parsley, and packed in aluminum foil container with clear lid marked lot# F080SS/F090SS on the bottom of label,” according to the company recall notice. “No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.”

No date codes or other identifying information was included in the recall notice.

Consumers who have purchased 10.76 ounce trays of “Five Cheese Stuffed Shells” are urged to return them to the place of purchase for full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Bob Cocat anytime at 972-795-5313.

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 product 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.