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What is listeria and why is it a concern?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The recent outbreak has raised alarms as it has affected at least 10 individuals across California and Nevada, leading to hospitalizations.
Symptoms of listeriosis can range from mild to severe, often starting within two weeks of consuming contaminated food. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and in severe cases, confusion and convulsions.
Details of the outbreak and recall
The outbreak has been linked to ready-to-eat food products produced by Fresh & Ready Foods LLC, based in San Fernando, California.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been actively investigating this situation since last year, but it wasn’t until April that they identified listeria in samples from the company that matched the outbreak strain. The FDA has confirmed that the affected products were distributed across various states, including Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington, and were sold in numerous locations, from hospitals to convenience stores.
What consumers should do
If you have purchased ready-to-eat food products from Fresh & Ready Foods, it is crucial to check the “use by” dates, which range from April 22 to May 19 of this year. The company has initiated a voluntary recall of several products under the brand names Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go, and Fresh Take Crave Away.
Consumers are advised to discard any affected products and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms associated with listeriosis.
Preventing listeria infections
To reduce the risk of listeria infection, it is essential to practice safe food handling and preparation techniques.
Always wash your hands before handling food, cook foods to safe temperatures, and avoid unpasteurized dairy products. For those at higher risk, it is advisable to avoid ready-to-eat foods altogether, especially those that have been recalled. Staying informed about food recalls and outbreaks can help protect you and your loved ones from foodborne illnesses.
