SHOPPERS across the country have been issued an urgent ‘do not eat’ warning as FDA officials expand a recall on select frozen food products.
Authorities initially warned of a recall involving products by Chetak LLC Group back in July over fears they could cause serious health problems.
Shoppers across the nation have been urged to check their freezers for recalled goods that could cause fatal infections (stock)[/caption]
In some, the contamination could cause a fatal infection.
Now, the FDA has expanded the recall warning shoppers that it is no longer just contained to five states, but all of them.
Initially, Chetak recalled its Sprouted Moong (sprouted mung beans) from select locations in New Jersey, California, Illinois, Florida, and Texas.
This was due to “the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella” which was discovered during routine testing.
This “can cause a serious and sometimes fatal infection in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune system,” the FDA said at the time.
The majority of people will experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
The following products were recalled in July with the following lot numbers which can be found on the back of the packaging:
- Deep Sprouted Mat (Moth) 16 oz. – Lot codes: IN 24330, 25072, 25108, 24353, 25171, 24297, 25058, 25078, 24291, 25107, 24354, 24292
- Deep Sprouted Moong 16 oz. – Lot codes: IN 24330, 25072, 25108, 24353, 25171, 24297, 25058, 25078, 24291, 25107, 24354, 24292
On Wednesday, Chetak expanded the recall, warning that several lots of Deep-branded frozen fruit and veg may also be contaminated with Salmonella.
The company confirmed that several froze fruit and veg products tested positive for the dangerous organism including:
- Frozen Deep-brand Sprouted Mat (Moth), Lot codes: IN 24353K, 24354K, 25072K
- Frozen Deep-brand Sprouted Moong (Mung), Lot codes: IN 25058K
- Frozen Deep-brand Premium Select Surti Undhiu Mix, Lot codes: IN 25158K
- Frozen Deep-brand Premium Select Singoda, Lot codes: IN 25150K
“Chetak has decided to expand its voluntary recall to include additional frozen vegetable and fruit products that were manufactured on the same equipment from December 18, 2024 – August 18, 2025,” the FDA said in the latest recall notice.
These products were distributed to retail stores nationwide.
How to handle product recall
FOOD Safety experts insist that shoppers shouldn’t panic if they’re affected by a recall, as many are harmless.
However, consumers should take each warning seriously and follow the necessary steps to protect themselves.
Oftentimes, food manufacturers issue recalls as a precautionary measure, so there likely isn’t a foodborne illness hiding in your pantry.
However, even if the recall is merely a precaution, shoppers should always stay safe and not consume the affected items.
Experts advise people to keep a product closed if it hasn’t been opened, and never feed it to a pet or donate it to food banks.
Anyone who has handled or opened an affected item should wash their hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for 20 seconds.
Read the recall closely for specific instructions on how to get rid of the food item.
Typically, the brand will ask consumers to return the recalled product to the store where they purchased it for a full refund.
Sometimes shoppers will also be asked to throw it away so that no one else can eat it.
Source: FoodSafety.gov
No illnesses connected to the potential contamination has been reported to date – including from the July recall.
FDA officials have told shoppers to check their freezers for the affected products.
“Please immediately stop use, and discard or return product to your point of purchase,” they said.
Production has been suspended while the issue is under investigation into what has caused the contamination.
“Chetak remains steadfast in its commitment to compliance, safety, and quality,” the company said.
“As part of this recall, the Company is taking proactive steps to ensure that any potential issues are addressed swiftly and transparently.
“We believe open communication is vital to maintaining consumer trust, and the Company is dedicated to supporting its customers throughout this process.”
Concerned consumers can reach out at cservice@deepfoods.com or (908) 810-7500, Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm EST.
