Greenhead recalls lobster over potential listeria; US FDA issues oyster E. Coli warning

Bucksport, Maine, U.S.A.-based Greenhead Lobster Products is recalling all frozen and refrigerated cooked lobster meat products produced from 9 May through 19 October 2023, due to the potential for the product to be contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes.

The lobster products, the company said, were directly distributed to Maine and New Hampshire and then sold nationwide through wholesale distributers and online via e-commerce.

The recalled product, Greenhead Lobster Fresh Cooked Lobster Meat, was sold frozen or refrigerated in packages ranging from 1 to 2 pounds or in cases up to 12 pounds. They can be identified with “best if used by” dates ranging from 9 May to 12 October 2025 for frozen product, and 27 May 2023 to 30 October 2023 for refrigerated product. 

Even though none of the recalled product has tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, the recall is being conducted based on the presence of the organism in the processing environment, the company said. 

No other Greenhead Lobster retail products are impacted by this recall, including raw products, and no illnesses have been reported.

Consumers who have purchased any of the products listed should not consume the product and can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

In a separate notice, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about certain oysters from Prince Edward Island, Canada that may be contaminated with salmonella and E.coli. 

The FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to sell, and consumers not to eat, oysters from Bedeque, Prince Edward Island-based Future Seafoods, Inc. harvested on 10 October 2023 from harvest area PE9B due to contamination from salmonella and unacceptable levels of generic E. Coli.

The oysters were distributed to retailers, restaurants, and consumers in Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

On 10 October, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) tested oysters and discovered the presence of salmonella and E. coli. On 18 October, the CFIA informed the FDA of the testing results of the contaminated product, the FDA said.

Canada is investigating the cause of the food safety problem and Future Seafoods, Inc. has not yet initiated a recall.

“The FDA is awaiting further information on the distribution of the oysters harvested and will continue to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed. As new information becomes available, the FDA will update the safety alert,” the agency said.

Photo courtesy of Greenhead Lobster Products.