Updated information available in Listeria outbreak traced to pasta meals
The FDA and CDC have updated information on an outbreak of Listeria infections in several states traced to pasta dishes. Four people died in the outbreak.
The pasta involved was produced by Nate’s Fine Foods. The company recalled 245,000 pounds of pasta, and companies that used it in their products issued recalls of their own.
The Food and Drug Administration has updated the list of recalled meals to now include Sprouts Farmers Market Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad sold at the deli counter or Grab & Go section of Sprouts stores in the following states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, KS, LA, MD, MO, NC, NJ, NM, NV, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA and WY. The product was distributed from August 31 to October 7. There is concern that consumers may have unused meals in their home freezers.
For a complete list of recalls related to this outbreak, click here. Nine companies, including several major grocery chains, have issued recalls.
From October. On January 14, a total of 20 people were infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria. They have been reported in 15 states. Of the 20 people for whom information is available, 19 have been hospitalized and 4 deaths have been reported. There is an illness in a pregnant mother that resulted in fetal loss.
About Listeria Infections
Foods contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look, smell, or taste altered, but can still cause serious or even fatal infections. Anyone who has eaten a recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical attention and inform their doctor of possible Listeria exposure.
Additionally, anyone who has consumed any of the recalled products should self-monitor for symptoms over the coming weeks, as it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection may include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle pain, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are needed to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients with weakened immune systems are at particular risk of serious illness, life-threatening infections, other complications, and death. Even if infected pregnant women experience only mild flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
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