April 24, 2015

What You Should Know About The Recent Food Recalls

Photo by Peter Bond on Unsplash

This year, the number of companies who have recalled their most well-known products has skyrocketed. From apples to frozen foods, the number of items lining the shelves in your favorite supermarket seem to be steadily decreasing. This is because of a very serious bacteria named Listeria.

Here is what you need to know about the bacteria, the recent food recalls and how it can affect your family:

Listeria is a bacteria that does not differentiate between hot and cold, meaning that it can grow and flourish in just about any temperature. The bacteria is pathogenic (infectious to humans) and can cause flu-like symptoms such as nausea, muscle aches and high fever. It is most commonly found in soil and water and it’s carried by animals such as birds and cows. Most animals that carry the bacteria show no symptoms, so it is very easily transferable. Recently, Listeria has infected much of our food supply, particularly dairy products, vegetables and raw meats.

Here is a list, according to the FDA of the food products that are currently being recalled because of a listeria outbreak:

Fresh Frozen Vegetables and Smoothie Kits, Jamba At Home: InVenture Foods, Inc. (April 2015)
Blue Bell Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Sherbet & Frozen Snacks, Blue Bell Ice Cream (April 2015)
Sabra Classic Hummus: Sabra Dipping Co., LLC (April 2015)
Henry’s Farm Soybean Sprouts: Henry’s Farm Inc. (April 2015)
La Terra Fina Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip & Spread: La Terra Fina (March 2015)
Simply Balanced Organic Chopped Spinach: Superior Foods, Inc. (March 2015)
Wild Harvest and Wegmans Organic Spinach: Twin City Foods, Inc. (March 2015)
Rising Moon Organics Frozen Ravioli: Carmel Food Group (March 2015)
Amy’s Frozen Meals: Amy’s Kitchen, Inc. (March 2015)

Who does a listeria outbreak affect the most?

According to CNN.com, Listeriosis has a greater effect on the elderly, pregnant women, newborns and people with weak immune systems. In the U.S., an estimated 1,600 people have become seriously ill from the bacteria each year. Sixteen percent of these cases have resulted in death. To protect yourself and your family, the USDA (United States Drug Association) recommends cooking meat thoroughly, washing all raw vegetables and fruit and keeping your refrigerator below 40 degrees.

Sources: www.cnn.com, www.fda.gov