Frozen waffles recalled nationwide

Compliments, Great Value waffles pose risk of Listeria contamination, says food watchdog

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued an alert Monday about frozen waffles sold in stores throughout Canada, recalling the products due to a possible microbial contamination.

The agency issued a recall Monday for various frozen-waffle products bearing the brand names of Compliments and Great Value, best known as being sold at Sobeys and Wal-Mart stores, respectively, though they are available at other retailers as well.

Pictured is an example of the Compliments frozen waffles that are subject to a nationwide recall by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (Photo: Submitted)

The recall affects various flavours and varieties of the branded waffles, as well as two different sizes: boxes of eight waffles and value-packs of 16 - or 280- and 560-gram sizes, respectively.

“The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination,” the CFIA stated, noting the issue was reported by the manufacturer, Treehouse Foods.

“Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness.”

Listeria contamination poses particular risk to pregnant women, the elderly and the immuno-compromised, it said. 

Pictured is an example of the Great Value frozen waffles that are subject to a nationwide recall by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (Photo: Submitted)

“Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth,” the advisory stated. 

“In severe cases of illness, people may die.”

People are directed to check if they have any of the recalled products, and if they do, they’re not to serve, use or distribute them.

“Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased,” the CFIA said.

It noted that anyone who believes they’ve fallen ill due to consumption of the affected waffles should contact their health-care providers.

However, the agency also advised that there have been no reported cases of illness linked to the waffles. It’s also working to ensure retailers and distributors are removing the products from circulation.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at ftonindependent@gmail.com.