South San Francisco, CA – Quong Hop & Co. of South San Francisco, California is voluntarily recalling all "Raquel's" hummus, salads, wraps, sandwiches, and other food items, 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.
"Raquel's" brand products are being voluntarily recalled because Listeria monocytogenes was found in our manufacturing plant. In addition, soy lecithin, an allergen, was used in the production of hummus and is not declared on the label.
The recalled products include "Raquel's" brand salads, sandwiches, wraps, hummus, burritos, and stuffed grape leaves. Raquel's Hummus products are dated September 23, 2010 and prior, and Raquel's salads, wraps, sandwiches, and other items are dated August 3, 2010 and prior. "Raquel's" brand products are packaged with multiple ingredients and in a variety of sizes. "Raquel's" is distributed to supermarkets and natural food stores on the West Coast and Midwest including the states: CA, AK, AZ, WA, OR, NV.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. Quong Hop has ceased the production and distribution of the affected products and is investigating the cause of the problem.
See attached for a list of recalled products.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged to stop using them and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00pm (Pacific Time) at 650-553-9900 ext 13.
Source: FDA