Food Poisoning Feared in Mac and Cheese Recall

Eden Prairie, MNA recall that quietly circulated earlier this summer was triggered out of concern for foodborne illness and potential food poisoning after a batch of frozen macaroni and cheese was identified as a possible source for listeria contamination.

On August 14th Supervalu Inc. triggered a voluntary recall of its Culinary Circle Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese products due to concern over the potential for Listeria monocytogenes,

According to a release from the company, dated August 14th 2009, the potential for contamination was identified through routine sampling of the product at the manufacturing facility responsible for the production of the product. According to Supervalu no illness has been reported as of August 14th, however the recall was undertaken as a precaution.

Frozen, or any kind of processed preserved food can be a danger for busy families who often consume canned, or frozen food months after it has been purchased. In this case frozen macaroni and cheese is a favorite among busy families with young children and dependant upon the availability of foods that can be converted into a meal quickly.

Frozen Macaroni and Cheese Suspected of Harboring a Foodborne Illness

The recalled products are found in the frozen foods section in a 38 oz. package and were sold at Supervalu-owned stores including Acme, Albertsons, bigg's, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Hornbacher's, Jewel-Osco, Lucky, Shaw's/Star Market, Shop 'n Save, and Shoppers Food & Pharmacy in all of the states where they operate.

According to Supervalu the product recall includes all lots of Culinary Circle Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese, a frozen product, 38 oz. package bearing UPC#: 41130 38704

A visit to the Supervalu website on September 17th reveals nothing about the recall on the home page, However the news release is found under the "News Center" pull-down menu.

Foodborne illness of any kind can have a devastating effect on families and especially on individuals who are young, aged or suffer from, weak immune systems. Food poisoning can also adversely affect the health of a primary income provider, putting job security and the financial well being of an entire family at risk. It is not known if any reports of foodborne illness have been received in the days and weeks since the voluntary recall of the frozen macaroni and cheese product was enacted.