timthumbThe Tri-City Herald reports that CRF Frozen Foods has laid off an additional 61 workers idled by the ongoing shutdown related to listeria contamination in some of its products.

The move announced Friday raises the number of workers laid off to more than 300.

CRF Frozen Foods has recalled more than 400 products sold under 40 brand names at major retailers such as Costco, Target, Trader Joe’s and Safeway after its products were linked to a listeria outbreak that is linked to eight illnesses.

Two of the patients died, though their deaths are not directly linked to listeria.

The initial recall covered about a dozen frozen vegetable products and began April 22. CRF issued a voluntary recall of all its products on May 2.

The company temporarily laid off 245 workers on May 10, saying it would recall employees when the plant reopens. Friday, it said it was laying off 61 more workers so that they can seek employment with other businesses.