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Popular frozen food recalled after salmonella outbreak in 10 states

Popular Frozen Food Recalled Nationwide Following Salmonella Outbreak Across 10 States

In a significant food safety alert that has sent ripples through households and supermarkets across the United States, a major frozen food manufacturer has initiated a voluntary recall of several popular products after they were linked to a widespread Salmonella outbreak. The outbreak, which has affected at least 45 individuals in 10 states, underscores ongoing concerns about contamination in processed foods and has prompted urgent warnings from health officials. The recalled items, primarily frozen vegetable blends and ready-to-eat meals, have been staples in many American freezers, highlighting the potential risks even in products marketed as convenient and healthy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first reported the outbreak on July 15, 2025, after a cluster of Salmonella infections began emerging in mid-June. As of the latest update, the outbreak has sickened people in states including California, Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, and Washington. Health authorities believe the actual number of cases could be higher, as many individuals with mild symptoms may not seek medical attention or get tested. Among those affected, at least 12 have required hospitalization, with symptoms ranging from severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps to fever and vomiting. Tragically, one elderly patient in Ohio succumbed to complications related to the infection, marking a somber reminder of the dangers Salmonella poses to vulnerable populations such as the young, elderly, and immunocompromised.

The implicated products are from FreshFreeze Foods, a leading brand known for its line of organic frozen vegetable mixes and pre-packaged stir-fry kits. Specifically, the recall targets batches of their "Garden Medley Vegetable Blend," "Asian Stir-Fry Mix," and "Organic Broccoli and Cauliflower Combo," which were distributed nationwide through major retailers like Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Costco. These items, sold in 12-ounce to 32-ounce bags with "best by" dates ranging from September 2025 to March 2026, were produced at the company's facility in Modesto, California. The recall was announced on July 20, 2025, following laboratory tests that matched the Salmonella strain found in patient samples to samples taken from unopened packages of the products.

Salmonella, a type of bacteria commonly associated with foodborne illnesses, is notorious for contaminating a variety of foods, including poultry, eggs, and fresh produce. In this case, investigators suspect the contamination occurred during the processing stage, possibly due to cross-contamination from irrigation water or equipment that wasn't properly sanitized. The CDC notes that frozen foods aren't immune to such risks; while freezing can halt bacterial growth, it doesn't kill pathogens like Salmonella. Once thawed or cooked improperly, the bacteria can multiply and cause illness. This outbreak echoes previous incidents, such as the 2018 recall of frozen corn linked to a multi-state Listeria outbreak, which affected over 100 people and led to enhanced FDA guidelines for frozen produce handling.

FreshFreeze Foods issued a statement expressing deep regret over the incident and emphasizing their commitment to consumer safety. "We are heartbroken to learn of the illnesses associated with our products and are working closely with the FDA and CDC to investigate the source of the contamination," said CEO Elena Ramirez in a press release. "As a precautionary measure, we have halted production at the affected facility and are implementing additional sanitation protocols to prevent future occurrences." The company has urged consumers to check their freezers for the recalled items and dispose of them immediately or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund. To assist with identification, the recall notice includes specific UPC codes and lot numbers, such as 012345 for the Garden Medley and 678910 for the Stir-Fry Mix.

Public health experts are stressing the importance of proper food handling to mitigate risks. Dr. Maria Gonzalez, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, explained in an interview that "Salmonella infections can be prevented by thoroughly cooking frozen vegetables to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Simply microwaving or steaming without adequate heat can leave bacteria viable." She also advised consumers to wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling potentially contaminated products to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen. Symptoms of Salmonella typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and can last up to a week, though some cases may lead to long-term complications like reactive arthritis or bloodstream infections.

This recall comes at a time when food safety is under increased scrutiny, with the FDA reporting a 15% rise in foodborne illness outbreaks over the past five years, attributed in part to global supply chain complexities and climate-related factors affecting agriculture. Frozen foods, which account for nearly $60 billion in annual U.S. sales, have seen booming demand due to busy lifestyles and the convenience of meal prepping. However, this popularity has also exposed vulnerabilities in the industry. Advocacy groups like the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) have long called for stricter regulations on frozen produce, including mandatory pathogen testing at multiple production stages. "This outbreak is a wake-up call," said Sarah Sorscher, deputy director of regulatory affairs at CSPI. "Consumers trust that frozen foods are safe right out of the bag, but without robust oversight, these incidents will continue."

In the affected states, local health departments are ramping up efforts to trace additional cases. For instance, in New York, where seven illnesses have been reported, officials are conducting door-to-door surveys in communities where the products were heavily sold. Similarly, Texas health authorities have partnered with grocery chains to remove the items from shelves and notify loyalty program members who may have purchased them. The CDC is encouraging anyone who suspects they have consumed the recalled products and is experiencing symptoms to contact their healthcare provider and report the illness to local health officials. This reporting is crucial for tracking the outbreak's full scope and preventing further spread.

Beyond the immediate health concerns, the economic impact of the recall is substantial. FreshFreeze Foods estimates that the recall could cost the company upwards of $10 million in lost revenue and disposal fees, not to mention potential lawsuits from affected consumers. Retailers are also feeling the pinch, with some reporting temporary shortages of alternative frozen vegetable options as shoppers stock up on substitutes. Analysts predict a short-term dip in consumer confidence in frozen foods, potentially boosting sales of fresh produce or home-cooked meals.

Looking ahead, this incident may spur legislative changes. Lawmakers in Washington, D.C., are already discussing amendments to the Food Safety Modernization Act to include more stringent requirements for frozen food processors. "We need to ensure that every link in the food chain is secure," remarked Senator Elizabeth Warren in a recent statement. "Outbreaks like this not only harm families but erode trust in our food system."

For consumers, the key takeaway is vigilance. While recalls are an essential safety net, personal precautions remain vital. The FDA recommends regularly checking their website or signing up for recall alerts via apps like the USDA's FoodKeeper. In the meantime, those who have purchased the affected FreshFreeze products should act swiftly to discard them, prioritizing health over convenience.

This outbreak serves as a stark illustration of the hidden dangers lurking in everyday groceries. As investigations continue, health officials hope that swift action will contain the spread and prevent additional cases. For now, the message is clear: when it comes to food safety, freezing isn't always foolproof. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Cleveland.com Article at:
[ https://www.cleveland.com/nation/2025/07/popular-frozen-food-recalled-after-salmonella-outbreak-in-10-states.html ]