Grower in butternut squash recall working with FDA

The grower whose butternut squash has been involved in recalls of fresh-cut products because of listeria concerns is working with the Food and Drug Administration to find the source.

Brightly Farms, Hamlin, N.Y., supplied the squash to Race-West Co., Clarks Summit, Pa., which distributed them to two processors who have recalled products. Pero Family Farms Food Co., Delray Beach, Fla., and Lancaster Foods LLC have recalled fresh-cut butternut squash products.

Publix Super Markets Inc. has recalled Publix brand Steam In Bag Green Bean Butternut Squash, Butternut Medley and Butternut Brussels Pecan sold from Jan. 3-14. Publix received the products from Pero Family Farms Food Co., according to the notice, posted on the FDA’s recall site on Jan. 21.

Pero Family Farms and Lancaster Foods have recalled fresh-cut butternut squash products, including noodles and cubed squash.

Race-West released a statement that it is following FDA’s suggestions, and Brightly Farms has cooperated with Race-West.

“The entire matter is still being investigated,” according to the statement from Race-West President Harris Cutler and Director of Food Safety Jenn Danei. “Brightly Farms is reviewing all protocols with the experts and will be conducting listeria tests at their facility moving forward.”

No illnesses have been linked to the butternut squash.

“Race-West has been focusing on food safety, traceability and wholesome fresh fruits and vegetables since the company’s origins in 1944,” according to the statement. “For over a decade we have maintained a full food safety team. We will always ensure that the product that we provide is safe.”

Race-West has notified all customers that received the squash in question; customers that have not been contacted by Race-West did not receive product involved in the recalls, according to the statement.