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By Matthew Robinson
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A recall of two salad products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes has been issued the highest risk warning by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Made Fresh Salads Inc., based in New York, issued a voluntary recall for the products on October 15 due to the potential contamination.
The FDA later issued a Class I risk classification for the recall on November 13.
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Newsweek contacted Made Fresh Salads Inc. for comment by email and phone outside of regular working hours.
Why It Matters
A Class I risk classification—one of three—represents "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death," according to the FDA.
The FDA warns that Listeria monocytogenes are disease-causing bacteria that can cause listeriosis infection if consumed in contaminated food.
"For the less severe, non-invasive listeriosis, mild symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur, and often persists for 1 to 3 days," the FDA said.
"For the more severe, life-threatening invasive form of the disease, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Invasive listeriosis is a potentially life-threatening event, especially for newborns, adults over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems."
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What To Know
The products affected by the recall are the following:
- LoBoy brand Tuna Deluxe Salad - sell-by date: 10/20/2024
- LoBoy brand Macaroni Salad - sell-by date: 10/20/25
The products were packaged in 5lb white plastic tubs, and were distributed to retail stores across New York.
As of November 13, no illnesses had been reported by the FDA in connection with the consumption of the recalled products.
The FDA said that pregnant women, unborn or newborn babies, adults over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems are high-risk groups "susceptible to the serious and adverse effects of listeriosis."
"Symptoms of listeriosis during pregnancy may be mild or even go unnoticed, but can lead to severe outcomes, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or a life-threatening infection of the newborn," the agency said.
"You should immediately consult with your healthcare provider if you suspect you’ve developed symptoms that resemble a listeriosis infection."
What People Are Saying
Mary O'Riordan, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School, previously told Newsweek: "Listeria has an unusual capacity to grow at refrigerated temperatures. Although the bacterium can contaminate many types of food, cheeses or deli meats that are kept in cold storage for long periods in stores or at home are a place where listeria can keep growing.
"Early symptoms of listeria infection look similar to other common foodborne infections, including fever, diarrhea and vomiting, so it's often not diagnosed right away. Unfortunately, sometimes listeria can spread into the brain and cause more serious illness, like meningitis. In those cases, if people experience headache, stiff neck or confusion, they should seek urgent medical attention."
Haley F. Oliver, a professor of food science at Purdue University, previously told Newsweek: "Listeria monocytogenes is a common microorganism that can be found in the natural environment, for example, in soil. There are many factors that determine if someone gets listeriosis—a listeria infection. In most instances, an immunocompromised person—so young, old, pregnant or otherwise immunocompromised—must eat contaminated food.
"The number of bacteria resulting in infection and the amount of time before illness varies considerably. Symptoms vary among people but can include fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, stiff neck, confusion and loss of balance."
What Happens Next
The recall is listed as ongoing, according to the FDA. Consumers who purchased the affected products should not consume them.
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