A recall this week of several Parkers Farm products marks the third time since 2010 — and the second since just March — that the Minnesota company has taken such action over listeria concerns.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture on Thursday alerted consumers to avoid eating certain cheese and salsa products made by Coon Rapids-based Parkers Farm Acquisition, due to possible listeria contamination. Parkers Farm has also issued a voluntary recall.
There have been no reports of illness associated with the recalled products. Parkers Farm did not return calls for comment.
Listeria can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially serious disease marked by fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness and nausea. It can sometimes cause fatal infections in infants, the elderly and people with weak immune systems.
In March, Parkers Farm also issued a listeria-related recall, while the Agriculture Department warned consumers to stay away from 15 of the company's products, including cheese spreads and peanut butter.
No illnesses were reported in association with the March recall, either, which occurred after listeria was discovered in tests by state investigators. The Agriculture Department would not comment on whether this week's recall was also based on state regulators' tests for listeria.
In 2010, Parkers Farm had another extensive listeria-related recall. No illnesses were reported, but the company temporarily shut down its plant and was fined $1,900 by the state for selling adulterated food, losing control of its manufacturing process and failing to adequately train and supervise workers.
Parkers Farm was also forced to pay back the state $46,000 for lab testing related to that recall.
