Highest risk U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Lunds & Byerlys fresh guacamole products recall: Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination

Recall published 2+ years ago

Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination

Lunds & Byerlys Other food products — recalled other food productsLunds & Byerlys Other food products — recalled other food products (photo 2)Lunds & Byerlys Other food products — recalled other food products (photo 3)Lunds & Byerlys Other food products — recalled other food products (photo 4)
4 photos published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration with the recall notice.

The hazard: Listeria contamination

This is a Listeria recall, so the usual kitchen tests do not apply — the bacteria grow in a cold fridge and leave no smell, no cloudiness and no off taste.

What the notice says: Metro Produce Distributors Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is voluntarily recalling all Lunds & Byerlys fresh guacamole products with a use-by date of August 2, 2024, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes , an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Why it matters: Listeria monocytogenes is unusual among foodborne bacteria because it keeps growing at refrigerator temperature. A contaminated pack does not become safer for sitting in the cold, and it will look, smell and taste completely normal.

Symptoms and when to call a doctor

Listeriosis is mild or silent in most healthy adults, but it is serious for pregnant people, newborns, adults over 65 and anyone whose immune system is suppressed. The CDC describes intestinal illness as diarrhoea and vomiting, and invasive illness as fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or convulsions. In pregnancy it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or infection in the newborn even when the parent feels only mildly unwell. Symptoms can start within a day or not appear for weeks, so tell any doctor you see that you ate a recalled product and give them the date.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you feel unwell, a clinician who can see you is the only person able to judge your case.

Recall details

Published
August 2, 2024
Risk level
Highest risk
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Lunds & Byerlys
Product type
Other food products
Distribution
Minnesota
Reports of harm
No confirmed illnesses have been reported to date.

Products covered by this recall

fresh guacamole products

What the company announced

Metro Produce Distributors Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is voluntarily recalling all Lunds & Byerlys fresh guacamole products with a use-by date of August 2, 2024, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes , an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The fresh guacamole was sold at Lunds & Byerlys grocery stores located throughout the Twin Cities area and St. Cloud. The product was also available in select locations ‘Taco Mas’ food bars from July 27-31. The products are packaged in clear plastic containers.

These products are affected by the recall:

  • Product: Lunds & Byerlys Fresh Guacamole · Size: 14 ounce · Use-by Date: August 2, 2024
  • Product: Lunds & Byerlys Fresh Smokin’ Guacamole · Size: 10 ounce · Use-by Date: August 2, 2024
  • Product: Lunds & Byerlys Fresh Spicy Guacamole · Size: 10 ounce · Use-by Date: August 2, 2024
  • Product: Lunds & Byerlys Pico de Gallo/Guacamole Tray · Size: 18 ounce · Use-by Date: August 2, 2024
  • Product: Lunds & Byerlys Deli Guacamole · Size: 56 ounce · Use-by Date: August 2, 2024

No confirmed illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the company, which revealed that the finished products could potentially contain the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the products as they continue their investigation. This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Consumers who have purchased Lunds & Byerlys fresh guacamole products with a use-by date of August 2, 2024 are urged to destroy the products or return them to any Lunds & Byerlys stores for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Metro Produce at 612-436-3825.

Reproduced from the company announcement posted on fda.gov. Links and contact forms in the original are not repeated here; the official notice below has them.

Check your product

The notice names 4 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Package size

Match the net weight or the piece count on the front of the pack.

  • 14 ounce
  • 10 ounce
  • 18 ounce
  • 56 ounce

Codes are lifted verbatim from the FDA — Company recall announcements notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Listeria

Lunds & Byerlys — This is a Listeria recall, so the usual kitchen tests do not apply — the bacteria grow in a cold fridge and leave no smell, no cloudiness and no off taste.

  1. Do not eat it and do not open a sealed pack to inspect it — opening it only spreads the bacteria around your kitchen.
  2. If anyone in the household is pregnant, over 65 or immunocompromised, call a clinician for advice even if nobody feels ill. That conversation is quick and it is the whole point of a Listeria recall.
  3. Photograph the label, the lot code and the date mark before the pack leaves the house — that picture is what a refund claim runs on.
  4. Throw it out in a sealed bag, or return it to the store. Either is accepted; what matters is that nobody else eats it.

Getting a refund without the pack

The commonest reason people skip the refund is that they have already thrown the item away. That rarely matters.

  • A photo of the label and lot code is accepted by most grocers, and so is a card statement line showing the purchase.
  • Store credit is often offered first. You can ask for the original payment method instead, and it is normally granted.
  • No photo either? Ask anyway. Grocery chains settle recall refunds at the service desk because disputing them costs more than paying them.
  • For a multi-pack or a case, ask for the full purchase price rather than a per-unit figure — the recall covers what you paid.

Remedy named in the notice: Consumers who have purchased Lunds & Byerlys fresh guacamole products with a use-by date of August 2, 2024 are urged to destroy the products or return them to any Lunds & Byerlys stores for a full refund.

Company contact: Metro Produce Distributors Inc. — Consumers: Metro Produce, 612-436-3825 — Media: CHAD ANDERSON, 612-436-3825

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the FDA — Company recall announcements record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Lunds & Byerlys other food products recalled?

Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination Metro Produce Distributors Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is voluntarily recalling all Lunds & Byerlys fresh guacamole products with a use-by date of August 2, 2024, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes , an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

The notice does not publish package codes for this recall. Compare the product name, size and the purchase window against the official FDA — Company recall announcements record, and contact the company if you are unsure.

What should I do with it right now?

Do not eat it and do not open a sealed pack to inspect it — opening it only spreads the bacteria around your kitchen.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Consumers who have purchased Lunds & Byerlys fresh guacamole products with a use-by date of August 2, 2024 are urged to destroy the products or return them to any Lunds & Byerlys stores for a full refund.

Which states were affected?

The notice lists Minnesota.

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