An urgent warning has been issued to shoppers across the United States: check your freezers immediately! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded a recall on select frozen food products due to potential contamination with Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause serious illness.
The initial recall, announced in July by Chetak LLC Group, involved a limited number of products and locations. However, due to ongoing concerns and further testing, the recall has now been expanded nationwide, encompassing a wider range of frozen fruits and vegetables.
Salmonella contamination poses a significant health risk, especially to vulnerable populations. While most healthy adults experience unpleasant but generally non-life-threatening symptoms, Salmonella can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
These individuals are more susceptible to severe complications from Salmonella infection, including potentially fatal conditions. Therefore, it's crucial to take this recall seriously and follow the FDA's recommendations to protect yourself and your family.
The initial recall in July focused on Chetak's Sprouted Moong (sprouted mung beans) due to the potential for Salmonella contamination discovered during routine testing. The lot numbers affected in the original recall are critical pieces of information for consumers to check.
The specific lot codes for the Sprouted Moong initially recalled were: IN 24330, 25072, 25108, 24353, 25171, 24297, 25058, 25078, 24291, 25107, 24354, and 24292. These numbers can be found on the back of the packaging.
The FDA emphasizes that Salmonella infection can manifest in various ways. Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. While these symptoms are often self-limiting, they can be severe and require medical attention, especially in vulnerable individuals.
The expansion of the recall now includes several lots of Deep-branded frozen fruit and vegetable products, indicating a broader contamination concern within Chetak's manufacturing processes. The company has confirmed that some of these products tested positive for Salmonella.
Specifically, the recall now includes Frozen Deep-brand Premium Select Surti Undhiu Mix, along with other frozen fruits and vegetables. It's vital for consumers who have purchased any Deep-branded frozen products recently to carefully review the product details and lot numbers.
According to the FDA's recall notice, Chetak expanded the voluntary recall to include additional frozen vegetable and fruit products manufactured on the same equipment between December 18, 2024, and August 18, 2025. This highlights the potential for cross-contamination within the production facility.
These affected products were distributed to retail stores across the country, making it imperative for shoppers nationwide to be aware of this recall and take appropriate action. The FDA's website offers a comprehensive list of recalled products and their corresponding lot numbers.
While food safety experts emphasize that not all recalls are cause for panic, this particular recall warrants serious attention due to the potential for Salmonella contamination and the severity of illness it can cause, especially in vulnerable populations.
Even if a recall is issued as a precautionary measure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming the affected products. This simple step can help prevent potential illness and protect the health of yourself and your loved ones.
If you find that you have purchased a recalled product, experts recommend keeping it closed if it hasn't been opened and avoiding feeding it to pets or donating it to food banks. These actions help prevent further contamination and ensure that no one inadvertently consumes the affected item.
Anyone who has handled or opened a recalled food item should wash their hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. This is a crucial step in preventing the spread of Salmonella bacteria and reducing the risk of infection.
The recall notice typically provides specific instructions on how to dispose of the food item. In most cases, the manufacturer will ask consumers to return the recalled product to the store where they purchased it for a full refund.
In some instances, shoppers may also be instructed to throw away the recalled product to prevent anyone else from consuming it. Following these instructions carefully is essential to ensure that the contaminated food is properly disposed of and poses no further risk.
As of the latest reports, no illnesses connected to the potential Salmonella contamination have been reported, including from the initial July recall. However, this does not diminish the importance of taking the recall seriously and following the FDA's recommendations.
FDA officials are urging shoppers to thoroughly check their freezers for the affected products. "Please immediately stop use, and discard or return the product to your point of purchase," the agency advises. This swift action can help prevent potential illness and protect public health.
Chetak has suspended production while the issue is under investigation and corrective actions are being implemented. This demonstrates the company's commitment to addressing the contamination issue and ensuring the safety of its products in the future.
"Chetak remains steadfast in its commitment to compliance, safety, and quality," the company stated. "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," Chetak added, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and customer service.
Concerned consumers can reach out to Chetak directly at cservice@deepfoods.com or by phone at (908) 810-7500, Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm EST. The company is providing these resources to address any questions or concerns related to the recall.