Almost 6,000 pounds of this popular seafood are on recall after having been distributed nationwide.
Officials at Greenhead Lobster Products of Bucksport, Maine, are recalling 5,749 lbs. of frozen cooked lobster meat because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Although New Jersey was not explicitly named among distributed sites of these frozen lobsters, the product sells at some Walmarts and other large chain stores nationwide.
Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Products listed in the recall were distributed to Maine and New Hampshire, who then distributed nationwide through wholesale distributors.
The potential for contamination was noted after a routine sampling program by the company revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
It should be noted that this recall impacts no other Greenhead Lobster Products retail products.
This recall has been initiated in an abundance of caution due to the potential for contamination.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
Consumers who have purchased products listed in the recall are urged not to consume this product and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.