Caesar’s Pasta, LLC of Blackwood, NJ is recalling 5,610 lbs. of frozen manicotti because of potential Listeria monocytogenes.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program, which revealed that the finished products might contain bacteria.

The frozen manicotti was sold to various foodservice distributors, and distributed to restaurants in Philadelphia, PA; Harrisburg, PA; Southeastern NY State; Northeastern PA; and San Juan, PR markets. According to the recall, the product did not enter retail commerce.

Recalled Product:

• The frozen manicotti was packaged in 10 lb. bulk boxes under the brand names Orefresco and Caesar’s Pasta with a “Best By” date of Sept. 28, 2024.

As of the posting of this recall, no illnesses have been reported.

The product is categorized as “Not-Ready-To-Eat” and the product’s instructions clearly state that the product must be cooked to 160 degrees, which would effectively kill the bacteria.

Each of the company’s customers who received the affected product has been notified and has been provided with instructions to discard the product.

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 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 conditions can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.