Woolworths has issued a recall on their Frozen Savoury Rice Mix product, as a result of a global recall initiated by the Hungarian Food Safety Agency.
The Frozen Savoury Rice Mix contains sweetcorn, sourced from the Greenyard Factory in Hungary which has been implicated at the potential source of a listeria outbreak in Europe.
Image: Supplied
Woolworths have advised that none of their other frozen sweetcorn or vegetable products are affected.
Woolworths are choosing to conduct this voluntary product recall as a precautionary measure. The retailer states that “Food safety is of critical importance to Woolworths and we take all issues regarding the production of our food extremely seriously.”
Recalls, while often perceived as a negative activity, are actually an indication of a company taking responsibility to proactively protect consumer health. Timeous recalls can prevent foodborne illness outbreaks which can lead to deaths, such as the listeria outbreak which rocked South Africa in the first half of 2018, and resulted in over 200 lives being lost.
A note on listeria
Frozen vegetables are uncooked and require cooking before consumption. Since Listeria can remain in a frozen product and present a risk once thawed, it is important to always follow labelling instructions closely. Thorough cooking will kill listeria bacteria.
What to do if you have the product
Customers who have purchased the Woolworths Frozen Savoury Rice Mix should return the product to their local store for a full refund.
For more information please contact our customer service centre on:
0860 022 002 or visit woolworths.co.za