Noticing more listeria recalls? What experts say is behind the uptick – National [Video]

From frozen waffles and pancakes to beef jelly tongue, recent listeria recalls may have consumers concerned that more of the bacteria is infiltrating the food chain, but experts say that’s not the case.

Extensive testing at the manufacturing level and a keen awareness of the issue among consumers is more likely why it feels like there are more recalls than normal, they say.

Rick Holley, a retired University of Manitoba food science professor, notes a frozen waffle recall last Friday involving dozens of products was issued by the food processing company first – rather than the Canadian Food Inspection Agency – after listeria was discovered during routine testing.

“What that means to me is that there’s a heightened sensitivity on the part of the food industry,” he said.

Manufacturer TreeHouse Foods expanded its recall this week to include more brands of frozen waffles and pancakes produced at its Brantford, Ont. facility.

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