FDA recalls common vegetable product over deadly bacteria risk

The FDA has recalled two common frozen vegetable products over fears of a deadly bacterial outbreak.

A popular brand has been recalled after Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria that causes listeriosis, was detected in its products.

Endico potatoes' peas and carrots and mixed vegetable bags have been recalled with immediate effect.

They were sold in 2.5-pound clear plastic bags under the Endico label.

Affected batches can be identified by checking the lot codes printed on the sides of the bags.

These are: Peas and Carrots: Lot 110625, produced on June 11, 2025, with a use-by date of June 10, 2027.

Endico brand mixed vegetables and peas and carrots have been recalled (FDA)

And: Mixed Vegetables: Lot 170625, produced on June 17, 2025, with a use-by date of June 16, 2027.

The frozen vegetables were distributed between July 18 and August 4, 2025, in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Florida.

"The company has ceased distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem," the FDA added.

At the time of writing, no illnesses have been reported.

This should go without saying - but please, do not eat the affected vegetables. Instead, people are advised to return them to their point of purchase for a full refund.

For questions, Endico Potatoes Inc. can be reached at 1-800-431-1398.

What are the symptoms of listeriosis?

The affected products were sold between July 18 and August 4, 2025 (D3sign/Getty Images)

Listeria is a serious concern because it can cause severe illness called listeriosis, which can be fatal among vulnerable people.

While healthy adults may only experience short-lived symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, or diarrhea, the infection can be far more dangerous for pregnant women, older adults, newborns and those with weakened immune systems.

In these groups, listeriosis can lead to life-threatening infections, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

One of the reasons listeria poses such a risk is that the bacteria can survive not only refrigeration but also freezing. This means contaminated foods may still be hazardous even if stored properly.

Listeria monocytogenes bacteria causes listeriosis (Ruslanas Baranauskas/Science Photo Library/Getty Images)

Symptoms of listeriosis can vary depending on the severity of infection.

Gastrointestinal symptoms, like diarrhea or vomiting, may appear within a day of eating contaminated food and usually clear up quickly.

However, when the bacteria spread to the bloodstream or nervous system, symptoms such as stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures may develop, as per the Cleveland Clinic.

These more serious symptoms often appear within two weeks, but in some cases can take up to two months to emerge.

If you have any concerns, contact a healthcare professional right away.