You Might Want to Throw Out Your Trader Joe's Hummus

If you thought you were safe after you rid your life of Sabra hummus, think again. Trader Joe’s is recalling two of its popular hummus varieties, Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Hummus and Trader Joe’s White Bean & Basil Hummus, labeled with "USE BY" date codes up through and including 12/15/2016 and the plant identification code "C" (use the image below for reference).

Trader Joe’s/Official

As stated by this FDA notice, Bakkavor Foods USA, Inc., Trader Joe’s hummus supplier, is “voluntarily” recalling its product due to what could be "potential" contamination of 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.” Stronger immune systems have it a little easier with possible short-term side-effects: “high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Read more about effects, treatments, and prevention here.

A statement pinned to Trader's Joe's official website reads:

All potentially affected products have been removed from store shelves and destroyed.

To clarify, products with plant identification code "J" were produced in a different facility and are NOT affected by this recall. In addition, Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Hummus Snack Pack with Pita Chips (SKU #97136) is NOT part of this recall.

If you purchased any of the Mediterranean Hummus or White Bean & Basil Hummus with the specified plant identification and date codes, please do not eat it. We urge you to discard the product or return it to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund.

If you have any questions, you may call Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817 [Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific Time] or send us an email.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

Trader Joe’s last nationwide recall involved frozen fruits and vegetables earlier this year and was significantly more widespread.

So far, no confirmed illnesses have been reported.

• Throw That Sabra Hummus in Your Fridge Away Right Now [E]
• Listeria Outbreak Leads to Massive Frozen Food Recall in 50 States [E]
• Bakkavor Foods USA, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recalls of Certain Hummus Products Because of Possible Health Risks [FDA]