A listeria outbreak has been traced back to ready-to-eat sandwiches and snacks, which has affected at least 10 individuals in the United States. In response to this, a producer has initiated a voluntary recall of numerous products that were distributed to various outlets such as retail stores, hospitals, hotels, airports, and airlines, according to federal authorities.
The products implicated in this outbreak were manufactured by Fresh & Ready Foods LLC, and they were distributed in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington. The individuals who have fallen ill, and subsequently hospitalized, were located in California and Nevada. This outbreak has been ongoing for several months, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting cases dating back to December 2023.
Listeria poisoning is particularly concerning due to the nature of the bacteria involved. This type of bacteria is highly resilient and capable of surviving and growing even in refrigerated conditions. Annually, about 1,600 people are infected with listeria in the U.S., and approximately 260 die from it, as stated by the CDC.
A voluntary recall affects over 80 specific products that were distributed from April 18 to April 25, marked with โUse Byโ dates from April 22 to May 19. Brand names under the recall include Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go, and Fresh Take Crave Away. Federal officials advise that anyone possessing these products should dispose of them or return them. Additionally, it is recommended to clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with these recalled foods.
Listeria bacteria thrive in damp environments like soil, water, and decaying plant matter and can be carried by certain animals. These tough bacteria can be dispersed during various stages, including harvesting, processing, transportation, or storage if contaminated. Once established in a food processing facility, eradicating them can prove to be challenging.
Consumption of foods contaminated with listeria bacteria can lead to illness, with symptoms varying from mild to severe. Mild symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Serious symptoms can involve headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Listeria poisoning can be difficult to diagnose promptly as symptoms might appear quickly within a few hours or days after consuming contaminated food, or they might take weeks, even up to three months, to manifest. People most at risk include young children, those over 65, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those who are pregnant.
Cooking can effectively kill listeria when foods are heated to โsteaming hotโ temperatures, specifically 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius), according to the CDC. However, for foods that are intended to be consumed cold, this method may not be feasible or appealing. Given listeriaโs ability to persist under refrigeration, itโs crucial to thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces, including refrigerator drawers and shelves, that might have come into contact with contaminated products.