Listeria recalls hit US

By Chloe Ryan

- Last updated on GMT

Two separate incidents of listeria monocytogenes have caused concern in the US
Two separate incidents of listeria monocytogenes have caused concern in the US

Related tags Immune system

American consumers have been warned about two separate instances of meat contamination where there is a risk of listeriosis, a bacterial infection that can kill those with a weak immune system and lead to miscarriage in pregnant women. 

The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said Connecticut-based Adolf’s Meat Products was recalling approximately 224 pounds (lb) of assorted meat that may be adulterated with listeria monocytogenes. Smoked kielbasa, hams, Canadian bacon, bone-in pork loins and liverwurst, all produced on 20 October, are subject to recall.

The smoked kielbasa products bear establishment number ‘est 34651’ inside the USDA mark of inspection, while other products were sold without labels from behind deli counters. All recalled products were sold at retail locations in Connecticut.

The problem was discovered during routine FSIS sample testing. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Separately, a Whole Foods Market supplier factory in Everett, Massachusetts, is recalling approximately 234lb of curry chicken salad products that may be adulterated with listeria monocytogenes.

The chicken curry salad was packaged on 16 October and was sold pre-packaged, in salad bars and in sandwiches and wraps prepared in the stores. The products were shipped to a warehouse and retail locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.

The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified of sample testing results performed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

FSIS and the company were concerned that some products may be at home in consumers’ freezers or refrigerators.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics.

Related topics Meat

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