Listeria concerns prompt large recall of frozen pizzas

A California company has issued a large recall of frozen pizzas, some which were sold at select Walmart locations due to concerns of listeria contamination.
RBR Meat Company, Inc. is recalling approximately 21,220 pounds of frozen pizzas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Thursday.

The recalled product is the 16-inch pizza labeled as “Marketside Extra Large Supreme Pizza,” with lot code 20547. The recalled item was produced on Feb. 23, 2017, and bear establishment number “EST. 1821” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The recalled items were shipped to retail distribution centers in California, Nevada, Utah and Washington. According to Fox Business, approximately 6,700 Marketside brand pizzas sold at Walmart were affected by the recall.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture recall notice. Pregnant women, older adults and persons with weakened immune systems can face serious side effects from a listeriosis infection.

Consumers should not consume the recalled product. The USDA urges consumers to discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Eunice Wu, QA Director, at (323) 826-2144 Ext. 190.

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