Paragon Wholesale Foods Corp., of Warrendale, PA, is recalling several lots of 1.7 ounce Broccoli Florets in response to a nationwide recall by one of its suppliers, Mann Packing (Salinas, CA) 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 recalled broccoli florets were distributed to multiple schools in the Greater Pittsburgh and Butler, PA areas between 10/9/2017 and 10/16/2017. These customers have all been contacted directly and the affected products were removed on Thursday, October 19, 2017 when the firm was first notified of the recall by their supplier.

The product comes in a 1/2 cup (1.7 oz), clear plastic bag marked with the “Just Cut” logo on the front with a Best by date of 10/16/17 or 10/23/2017 stamped on the rear. This product was distributed in food service packages only and was not distributed to any retail locations.

Mann Packing, the original supplier of the broccoli florets, conducted a nationwide recall of various cut vegetables due to a report that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s random sampling found a single positive result for Listeria monocytogeneson a Mann Packing Power Blend bagged salad product.

No other products from Paragon Foods are involved at this time, and to date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this problem.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Edd Dwyer, Food Safety Manager at 724-741-9139. Phones will be monitored 7 days per week. Members of the media with questions regarding the recall can contact John McClelland, Chief Operating Officer, at (724) 741-9156.

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