I was just thinking about how there seems to be an increase of nationwide recalls of processed foods contaminated with Listeria, and how there is now also an increase in people hypervigilant about “Ebola-like symptoms,” and so maybe just something to keep in mind. It would not be difficult to mistake one for another, in a panic. Also it is interesting to me that this particular recall (chosen at random) is for processed foods used by institutions and airlines, among others. I think it would be a good idea for people to really think about where their food and drink comes from, before putting it in their mouth. Safest of all is to make it yourself.
Meat and Poultry Breakfast Products Recalled for Possible Listeria Contamination
Buddy’s Kitchen of Burnsville, MN, isrecalling approximately 62,488 pounds of meat and poultry products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The meat and poultry breakfast products were produced on various dates from July 16, 2014 through Sept. 25, 2014, and then shipped to distributors, retail locations, and airlines nationwide. The following products are subject to recall:
- “Swiss Cheese and Mushroom Omelet with Seasonal Tid-Bit Potatoes & Turkey Buffet Sausage Link” trays with the production codes “07/16/14 9”, “08/08/14 9” and “08/27/14 9”.
- “Savory Scrambled Eggs with Seasoned Red Skin Potatoes and Turkey Buffet Links” with the production codes “09/19/14 9” and “09/22/14 9”.
- “Garden Omelet w/ Parslied Potatoes & Chicken Sausage Links” with the production codes “07/16/14 9”, “07/17/14 9”, “07/18/14 9”, “07/22/14 9”, “07/25/14 9”, “08/22/14 9”, “08/25/14 9”, “09/02/14 9”, “09/09/14 9” and “09/16/14 9”.
- “Fiesta Scramble Bowl with Sausage Links” with the production code “10I14 9”.
- “Breakfast Skillet Burrito with eggs, sausage and cheese” with the production codes “18G14 2”, “06I14 4”, “16G14 4”, “17G14 2”, “07H14 4”, “20H14 2”, “21H14 4”, “22H14 4” and “25H14 4”.
Case labels or packaging may bear the establishment number “EST. 4226” or “P-4226” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
The problem was discovered when a U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) product sample confirmed positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The tested product was held, and the recalling firm tested raw materials from the product and found that the roasted red-skin potatoes, which were provided by an independent supplier, tested positive for the pathogen. The firm is recalling all products that used the confirmed-positive potatoes.
FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers.
Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause Listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.
Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea 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. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics.
Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.
FSIS advises all consumers to reheat ready-to-eat product until steaming hot.
© Food Safety News