If you've got a tray of sliced veggies sitting in the back of your fridge, you might want to take a second look. Honestly, nobody likes a kitchen panic, but the Pero Family Farms squash recall has been making headlines again lately, and for good reason.
It's about Listeria monocytogenes.
That's a mouthful of a name for a bacteria that can really mess up your week—or your life. While we usually think of recalls as "that thing that happens to other people," the reality of food safety in 2026 is that supply chains are messy. One bad batch of zucchini or yellow squash from a single supplier can end up in thousands of homes across multiple states before anyone even realizes something is wrong.
What Actually Happened with the Pero Family Farms Squash Recall?
The most recent major alarm was sounded when Pero Family Farms Food Company, LLC voluntarily pulled specific batches of their sliced zucchini and yellow squash from the shelves. This wasn't just a random guess. The recall was triggered after non-conforming laboratory results were discovered, specifically pointing toward a potential contamination with Listeria.
The Department of Defense even jumped in, issuing alerts to commissaries because these products are a staple for military families.
Specifically, the "at-risk" products included the 11-ounce microwavable plastic trays of Sliced Zucchini & Yellow Squash. If you're looking at your groceries, you're hunting for UPC 874896009764 and a specific lot number: 346918.
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Most of these were distributed in Florida, Missouri, Illinois, and Virginia.
Wait.
Check the date. If your package has a "Best By" date that has long since passed, you might think you're in the clear. But here’s the kicker: Listeria is a patient killer. It doesn't always make you sick the hour you eat it. The incubation period can be as long as 70 days. That means you could eat a salad in October and not feel the effects until Christmas.
Why Listeria is the Uninvited Guest at Your Dinner Table
Let's get real for a minute. Listeria isn't like your typical stomach flu. For a healthy adult, it might just mean a miserable couple of days with a high fever, a brutal headache, and some "don't leave the bathroom" digestive issues.
But for others? It's a different story.
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- Pregnant women: This is the big one. Even if the mother only feels mildly "off," the infection can lead to miscarriages or stillbirths.
- The Elderly: Our immune systems get tired as we age, making it harder to fight off invasive bacteria.
- Immune-compromised individuals: If you're dealing with something like cancer or an autoimmune disorder, a Listeria infection can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation.
The problem is that contaminated squash doesn't look bad. It doesn't smell "off." You can't sniff out Listeria like you can a gallon of spoiled milk. It’s basically invisible, which is why these recalls are so critical to take seriously.
This Isn't Their First Rodeo
If this feels familiar, it's because it sort of is. Back in 2021, Pero Family Farms had a similar issue with their Butternut Squash products. In that case, the problem was traced back to a supplier, Race West Company. They had to pull everything—cubes, chunks, and those veggie spirals that everyone uses to pretend they’re eating pasta.
It shows a pattern in the vegetable industry.
When you buy pre-cut, "value-added" vegetables, you’re paying for convenience. You're also adding more steps to the process. Each time that squash is handled, sliced, or packaged, there's a new opportunity for bacteria to hitch a ride.
What You Should Do Right Now
If you find a recalled tray in your crisper drawer, do not—I repeat, do not—eat it.
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Even if you think, "Oh, I'll just cook it really well," it’s not worth the risk. The FDA and the company both advise throwing it away immediately or returning it to the store where you bought it for a full refund.
How to protect yourself:
- Sanitize your fridge. Listeria is a bit of a freak—it can actually grow and thrive in cold temperatures. If a contaminated package leaked or even just sat on your shelf, wipe that area down with a diluted bleach solution.
- Monitor your health. If you’ve already eaten the squash, keep a diary. Note any fevers or muscle aches. If you fall into a high-risk group, maybe give your doctor a heads-up.
- Check the labels. Get into the habit of checking the FDA’s recall list once a week. It sounds paranoid, but in a world of globalized produce, it’s just smart.
The Pero Family Farms squash recall serves as a blunt reminder that "fresh" doesn't always mean "safe." While the company has taken steps to halt production and investigate the source of the contamination, the responsibility ultimately lands in our kitchens.
Be diligent. Check those UPC codes. And when in doubt? Throw it out.
Next Steps for Safety:
Check your refrigerator for any Pero Family Farms Sliced Zucchini or Yellow Squash with UPC 874896009764. If you possess this product, seal it in a plastic bag before discarding it to prevent cross-contamination in your waste bin. Clean all surfaces in your refrigerator that came into contact with the packaging using a solution of one tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach to one gallon of water. For further questions, contact Pero Family Farms Food Company directly at 561-498-5771.