When you think of really scary things, do you think of lions, tigers and maybe bears, perhaps? Well, actually what has been frightening many consumers these days is having to visit their local grocery store. Because lurking in the supermarket aisles are sunflower seeds, frozen vegetables and fruit, oh my! Yes, it may sound strange, but if you have been listening to the news as of late, consumers have good reason to be alarmed. That is because there have been at least two major recalls for food products in the last few weeks all due to listeria. So before you reach into your freezer for a bag of kernel corn, it is important to understand the basic facts about listeria and the recalls.
What is listeria?
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause an infection in humans known as “listeriosis.” The bacteria can be found in water, soil and animals. Humans typically come into contact with listeria through foods contaminated with the bacteria.
Who is most at risk?
The Centers for Disease Control or CDC estimate that approximately 1,600 people each year become ill after ingesting the bacteria. However, not everyone who ingests the bacteria will become seriously ill. Certain groups of people are much more at risk. The most at-risk groups include anyone with a compromised immune systems, such people suffering from cancer or AIDS, the elderly, infants, and women who are pregnant. Accordingto the CDC, 90 percent of the people who become infected with the bacteria are in an at risk group.
Why is the listeria bacteria considered dangerous?
People, but especially those at higher risk, can become seriously ill and even die from listeriosis. The CDC estimates the number of deaths caused by the listeria bacteria to be close to 300 per year. In pregnant women listeria can cause a woman to experience mild flu-like symptoms but can also trigger a miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or cause the woman to give birth to a baby with a potentially fatal infection. A listeria infection can also lead to blood infections or inflammation in the membranes surrounding the brain, otherwise known as meningitis.
How can I protect myself from listeria?
People in at risk groups are often told not to consume unpasteurized dairy and processed foods that are often eating cold like soft cheeses and deli meats. However, raw vegetables, fruits and other foods can become infected with the bacteria especially during processing. Such is the case in the latest recalls involving, meat, fruit, vegetables and sunflower seeds. It is important for consumers to understand that unlike other bacteria, cold or even freezing temperatures will not kill the bacteria. In fact, listeria can actually continue to grow on refrigerated or frozen foods. Heating foods to a proper temperature will kill the bacteria.
How does the recall affect me?
In light of the recent recalls, the most important thing for everyone to do is to review the list of recalled products and determine if any of these products in are in your home. If you have recalled products you can return them to the store for a refund or simply dispose of them.
If you or a loved one become seriously ill after consuming foods infected with the listeria bacteria, it is important to know that you may have legal recourse for the injuries you suffered. The attorneys at the Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. have helped countless injury victims, in both Kansas and Missouri, obtain compensation. Our compassionate team of attorneys will make it a priority to fight for your rights and to hold then wrongdoers accountable. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our Kansas Personal Injury Attorneys, contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673. We look forward to meeting with you.
