Positive Listeria tests prompt broad recall
Parkers Farm Acquisition is a Coon Rapids, Minnesota-based producer of cheeses, dips, spreads, peanut butters, and salsas. The voluntary recall, which affects all Parkers Farm food products, came after Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) inspectors tested samples of product produced at the facility and determined the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
Pending investigation
To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the contamination. Parkers Farm Acquisition declined to comment on the matter, citing the pending investigation, but did issue a statement outlining the situation.
“This action is being taken as a precaution in response to testing conducted by the State of Minnesota,” Parkers Farm Acquisition said in its statement.
Working together
Alida Sorenson, rapid response team investigator with the MDA’s Dairy and Food Inspection Division told FoodProductionDaily the agency is working with Parkers Farm Acquisition on getting to the bottom of the matter but, like the food firm, could not offer much in the way of particulars.
“MDA continues to work with the firm, but the details of the firm’s actions moving forward cannot be shared as the investigation is still active,” she said.
Parkers Farm products are sold at national and local retail outlets, including Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Costco, Aldi, Hy-Vee and others. Brands include Parkers Farm, Parkers, Happy Farms, Central Markets, Hy-Top, Amish Classic, Say Cheez, Win Schuler, and Bucky Badger labels.
