The FDA is urging consumers to check their homes for certain Little Hatch’s brand products because of an ongoing problem with Listeria at the company’s manufacturing facility.

In a public alert today the Food and Drug Administration said it detected Listeria monocytogenes in retail samples of the company’s Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip, Queso, and Spicy Queso and subsequently initiated an inspection at the manufacturing facility. The products are packaged in 13.5-ounce or 14-ounce containers.

“The FDA detected Listeria monocytogenes in retail samples of Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip, Queso and Spicy Queso and subsequently initiated an inspection at the manufacturing facility. The FDA confirmed Listeria monocytogenes in 23 of 149 samples taken from processing, packaging, and storage areas at the facility, including various food-contact surfaces,” according to today’s public alert.

“On May 20 2021, Interstate Food Products, initiated a voluntary recall of ‘Little Hatch’s’ brand Jalapeno Cream Cheese, Queso, and Spicy Queso products with specific sell by dates that the FDA tested and found positive for Listeria monocytogenes. On June 15, 2021, Interstate Food Products indicated to the FDA that they may need to further expand the recall to include ‘Little Hatch’s’ brand Roasted Chili Salsa Hot after conducting their own testing and confirming additional positive Listeria monocytogenes findings.”

Little Hatch’s products are manufactured by Interstate Food Products LLC The company distributed the recalled products to a variety of stores in seven states:

• Whole Foods Market Distribution Center, Denver, CO
• Whole Foods Market Rocky Mountain Regional states – Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Utah, Texas and Wyoming
• Natural Grocers, Denver, CO
• Lucky Market, Denver, CO

The FDA notice said the agency issued the alert because of concerns about the firm’s ongoing Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The FDA is continuing its efforts to remove Little Hatch’s product from the market.

 Recommendations for Consumers

• Contact your healthcare providers immediately if you are experiencing illness after consuming these products.
• Contact your healthcare providers if you have recently consumed these products and are concerned about your health.
• Consumers who have purchased these products should throw the food away and follow these steps:
  • Wash the inside walls and shelves of the refrigerator, cutting boards and countertops, and utensils that may have had contact with contaminated foods; then sanitize them with a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to one gallon of hot water; dry with a clean cloth or paper towel that has not been previously used.
  • Wipe up spills in the refrigerator immediately and clean the refrigerator regularly.
  • Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food and following any cleaning and sanitation process.

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 products 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.