29.03.2024

More than 400 food items in nine states recalled over potential listeria contamination

More than 400 food items ranging from breakfast sandwiches to lasagna and cut fruit have been recalled over potential contamination with listeria.

The recall was announced by Fresh Ideation Food Group LLC for products sold in stores, from vending machines and ‘during travel with transportation providers’ last month between January 24 and 30.

The states affected are Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia. Washington D.C. is also on the list.

No illnesses have been reported so far.

More than 400 food items in the US are being recalled over a potential contamination with listeria

Listeria is a bacteria that can cause severe illness, especially among pregnant women who face up to ten times higher risk.

The disease is normally picked up from eating food that has been contaminated with microbes. Symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting and begin within 24 hours of ingesting the bacteria.

WHAT IS LISTERIA?

The above image is a computer illustration of the organism Listeria monocytogenes bacterium

The above image is a computer illustration of the organism Listeria monocytogenes bacterium

WHAT IT IS, THE RISKS, AND HOW TO AVOID IT 

  • Listeria is everywhere in the environment
  • It’s a type of bacterium that infects humans and other warm-blooded animals through contaminated food
  • It’s found in dirty water, irrigation water, soil and fertiliser
  • Soft cheeses such as Camembert; cold chicken and deli meats; raw seafood and cold seafood such as smoked salmon; ice cream, fresh fruit and bagged vegetables can also carry Listeria
  • Infection can also occur through contact with animals and pests and insufficient cleaning of contaminated fruit and unclean hands

WHO IS SUSCEPTIBLE … AND THE SYMPTOMS

  • Pregnant women, infants, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk
  • Listeria starts with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and sometimes diarrhoea
  • The time from consuming the bacterium to showing the signs of illness can often be between 8 to 90 days
  • Some people end up in hospital with dehydration

HOW TO AVOID IT

  • Don’t buy bruised or damaged fruit, wash it before eating and refrigerate within two hours of slicing
  • Avoid foods past their ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date
  • Cook foods thoroughly
  • Reheat food until it is steaming hot
  • Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 24 hours, or freeze
  • Ready to eat food should never be stored in the fridge for too long as Listeria is one of the few pathogens that can grow in the refrigerator

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