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Potential Listeria Contamination: Sandwiches and Walnuts
Oct 12, 2009 | Parker Waichman Alonso LLP
Today we are reporting on two separate recalls concerning foods potentially contaminated with the dangerous, sometimes deadly, Listeria monocytogenes pathogen, which can result in Listeriosis.Listeriosis can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In pregnant women, Listeriosis can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth of a baby suffering from the infection. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of all Listeriosis cases occurring during pregnancy.
Listeria is responsible for an estimated 2,500 illnesses in the United States annually, with about 200 in every 1,000 cases resulting in death. Listeria infection can take days, even weeks, to develop and can present in anything from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia.
Fisher Rex Sandwiches
WRAL.com is reporting that Fisher Rex Sandwich initiated a recall of its "Fisher Rex Chicken Salad on Wheat" and "Fisher Rex Chicken Salad," both made at its Raleigh plant. The recall follows laboratory test results that found the presence of a particularly dangerous strain of the Listeria pathogen, said WRAL.com; the North Carolina Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services conducted the tests.
The recalled Fisher Rex sandwiches are sold in three and three-quarter-ounce packages and bear sell-by dates of October 27, October 29, and November 11, said WRAL.com. The potentially contaminated sandwiches were sent to convenience and grocery stores across North Carolina, said WRAL.
Baking Classics Walnuts
In the second case of potential Listeria contamination, Reuters reports that John B. Sanfilippo and Son, Inc. announced it is recalling Baking Classics brand Walnut Halves and Pieces, packaged in 16-ounce bags, and Baking Classics Nut Topping packaged in two-ounce bags.
According to Reuters, the following recalled Baking Classics brand walnuts were sold to stores in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
- Item Code: 02678; Package UPC Number: 04113002059; Brand: Baking Classics; Description: Nut Topping; Unit Weight: 2-ounces; Best By Date Code: 9/29/10.
- Item Code: 03250; Package UPC Number: 04113001174: Brand: Baking Classics; Description: Walnut Halves & Pieces; Unit Weight: 16-ounces; Best By Date Code: 9/24/10.
Consumers may contact John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-874-8734 with questions, said Reuters. The toll-free line is available from Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Central Standard Time.
Listeria
