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Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 11 Oct 2024

USDA Warns Almost 10 Million Pounds of Meat and Poultry Recalled for Listeria Contamination

According to FSIS, distributors sent the listeria-affected meat to many restaurants which is currently on the store shelves or in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers

The US Food Safety and Inspection Services have recalled nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry due to potential Listeria contamination. BrucePac - a ready-made meat producer, voluntarily recalled 9,986,245 pounds of their ready-to-eat proteins produced between the months of June and October and shipped across the country to institutions and distributors.
According to FSIS, these distributors sent the listeria-affected meat to many restaurants which is currently on the store shelves or in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. USDA says it has listed the countrywide recall as class 1 – which means it has the highest risk of adverse health effects.
Listeria causes listeriosis - a foodborne illness caused by the bacteria L. monocytogenes which causes fever, chills, and headache. According to doctors, mostly pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk of a severe infection.
As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of the recalled meat and poultry, FSIS said.

Which products have been recalled?

According to the food safety alert, the FSIS has recalled BrucePac’s 70 items, which include pre-cooked chicken strips, chicken patties, and chopped or diced chicken.
And since it is a class 1 recall, officials have suggested not eating the affected meat and poultry – which causes serious, adverse health consequences or death - and throwing out any recalled products. FSIS is also urging restaurants and businesses not to sell, serve, or use these products.

Signs and symptoms of listeria

A few common symptoms of a mild Listeria infection, or listeriosis, include diarrhoea, fever, headache, and muscle pains, which are normally felt within a few days. However, the severe symptoms include:
  • Fever
  • Flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue
  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion
  • Loss of balance
  • Seizures
  • Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of newborns
  • Death
FSIS has advised those in the higher-risk groups who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating the contaminated food should seek medical care.

In which foods is listeria mostly found?

Contaminated foods are the most common cause of listeriosis infections, which are mostly found in:
  • Hot dogs
  • Deli meats
  • Fresh vegetables
  • Fresh fruits, especially melons
  • Unpasteurized dairy products
These foods have the highest risk of L. monocytogenes contamination. However, listeriosis can affect almost any improperly handled or prepared food. Doctors say food that has spoiled breaks down and develops an unpleasant smell, taste, or change in texture. When L. monocytogenes bacteria contaminate food, the smell, taste, and texture don’t change.

Ways to treat listeriosis

Doctors say the best way to cure listeriosis is to get antibiotics prescribed by your doctors to rid your body of the infection. According to doctors, antibiotics that are commonly used to treat listeriosis include:
  • Bacter-Aid DS
  • Ampicillin
Your provider may also prescribe medication to manage specific symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. If you have mild symptoms, you may not need treatment.
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