Listeria recall for chives from upstate NY company

NEW HAMPTON, N.Y. - Federal food safety authorities say chives distributed in nine states by an upstate New York company are being recalled because of possible listeria contamination.

The Food and Drug Administration says the chives from Goodness Gardens Inc. of New Hampton were sold primarily through retailers in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Alabama, Illinois and Virginia.

They were packaged in plastic clamshell containers, 1 pound bags and twist tie bunches. The recalled lot is number 0201111, dated May 6. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause fever and abdominal illness and serious infections in young children, frail adults and others with weakened immune systems.

Infection is sometimes fatal and can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. The FDA says there have been no reports of illness associated with the recalled chives. Consumers may return them to retailers for a refund.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)