Trader Joe's Products Recalled For Traces Of Listeria

Mackenzie Barth|July 30, 2012 11:21 am EST

Trader Joe's lovers, be warned: the store just recalled several items that may have been contaminated by listeria. Food Safety News reported that traces of listeria were found in samples of diced onions from large onion producer Gill's Onions. Gill's provides the onions for many Trader Joe's products, including Trader Joe's BBQ Chicken Salad, which has had a whopping 5,610 pounds recalled.

Gill's onions can also be found in Trader Joe's fresh mild salsa, roasted butternut squash, red quinoa and wheatberry salad, the diced onions, garlic and shallots blend, and Trader Joe's balela. All of these products have been recalled in potentially contaminated regions. To see if your local Trader Joe's was affected, click here.

Listeria is a rare bacterium that causes the deadly disease, listerosis. Listerosis is a serious infection that takes the lives 20 percent of those affected, and is especially dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly. Listeria can be prevented from forming on food surfaces by utilizing proper sanitation practices prior to consumption. So far, no illnesses have been reported, but Trader Joe's shoppers should still be wary.

According to The Daily News, the source of contamination it not yet known, but the recalled onion processing plant has been shut down and will be redesigned.