2013 E. coli Outbreak Linked to Farm Rich Brand Frozen Food Products – Recall and Advice

Multistate Outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 Infections Linked to Farm Rich Brand Frozen Food Products (Final Update)

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Posted May 30, 2013 01:00 PM ET

This particular outbreak appears to be over. However, E. coli is still an important cause of human illness in the United States. More information about E. coli, and steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection, can be found on the CDC E. coli Web Page.

Recall

On April 4, 2013, Rich Products Corporation, a Buffalo, New York firm, expanded its recall to include all products produced at its Waycross, Georgia plant between July 1, 2011 and March 29, 2013 due to possible contamination with E. coli O121. The expanded recall is in addition to products recalled on March 28, 2013. The Farm Rich, Market Day, and Schwan’s brand frozen food products included in the recall had “Best By” dates ranging from January 1, 2013 to September 29, 2014.

The Farm Rich, Market Day, and Schwan’s brand frozen products were distributed nationwide to retail stores and select foodservice distribution customers [PDF – 582KB]. Rich Products Corporation has notified all of its distributors and customers who have received the recalled products, and has directed them to remove and destroy the affected product. All other affected product under Rich’s control has been quarantined and will be destroyed.

On March 28, 2013, Rich Products Corporation recalled approximately 196,222 pounds of Farm Rich brand frozen chicken quesadillas and several other frozen mini meals and snack items because they might be contaminated with E. coli O121. The products subject to recall were produced between November 12, 2012 and November 19, 2012, and distributed for retail sale nationwide.

Advice to Consumers and Retailers

This outbreak appears to be over. However, many of these products have a long shelf-life, and they may still be in peoples’ freezers. Consumers unaware of the recall could continue to eat these products and potentially get sick.

CDC recommends the following to consumers and retailers:

  • Consumers should check their freezers for recalled Farm Rich, Market Day, and Schwan’s brand frozen food products.
    • The recalled products had “Best By” dates ranging from January 1, 2013 to September 29, 2014.
    • Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the company’s consumer line at (888) 220-5955 24 hours, 7 days per week, or visit the company website.
  • Consumers should not eat recalled frozen food products and should dispose of any remaining product.
    • The recalled products have a long shelf life and they may still be in peoples’ freezers.
    • This is especially important for children 5 years of age and younger, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
  • Persons who think they might have become ill from eating recalled frozen food products should talk to their health care providers.
    • Most people infected with STEC develop diarrhea (often bloody) and abdominal cramps.
    • See Signs & Symptoms for more information.
  • Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24/7 at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.
  • Retailers and food service operators should not sell or serve recalled Farm Rich, Market Day, and Schwan’s brand frozen food products.

Read the full Outbreak Investigation