Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Listeria,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on August 7, 2024
A huge Kroger recall has been announced for various cut vegetable and dip products due to Listeria contamination concerns.
This recall comes about the same time as a large, multi-state Listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meat.
Here’s what we know.
Supreme Service Solutions LLC (dba Supreme Produce) is working with the Kroger company to initiate a recall for items purchased from Weirs Farm Inc. due to possible contamination with the harmful germ, Listeria monocytogenes.
The recall was announced on July 26, 2024 for products distributed to Kroger retail stores across the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio.
Affected products include cut produce package in clear plastic grab-n-go containers of various sizes.
Recalled products include:
These products, available at select Kroger Stores, are being recalled due to the discovery of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria during routine sampling. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) identified this potentially life-threatening bacteria in product samples.
According to the recall notice, “there have been no illnesses or consumer complaints reported to date.”
Additionally, all products involved in the recall are beyond their shelf life and already out of distribution, however consumers may still have products in the refrigerators.
If you have consumed recalled product, monitor yourself for symptoms of Listeria infection.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 1,600 people become sick with Listeria infections each year. Around 260 of those illnesses result in death. Food is a common source of Listeria-related illness.
Listeria symptoms can vary depending on the person infected and the part of the body affected. However, most symptoms begin within two weeks of consuming contaminated food.
Anyone can become sick if exposed to Listeria bacteria. However, certain groups of people are more likely to become sick if exposed and experience more severe symptoms if infected.
Common symptoms involve fever and diarrhea with normally healthy individuals recovering on their own without the need for medical intervention.
In some cases, however, invasive listeriosis may develop. This happens when Listeria bacteria leave the digestive system and enter other parts of the body.
For those who are pregnant, invasive listeriosis symptoms may be mild. The individual may experience mild, flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches and fatigue. The larger danger, however, is that invasive listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, still birth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn baby.
Invasive listeriosis in non-pregnant individuals often presents more severe symptoms. These often include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Fever and muscle aches are also common with this type of invasive listeriosis.
Adults over the age of 65 and those with weakened immune systems may develop severe infections when Listeria monocytogenes bacteria move beyond the digestive system and into other parts of the body.
An infection in the blood stream may result in sepsis. In the brain, meningitis or encephalitis are possible. Listeria bacteria may also spread to other parts of the body affecting the bones, joints, and areas of the chest or abdomen.
If you have become sick after consuming cut vegetable or dip products from Kroger, and have become sick, there are a few things you can do to help yourself and the investigation.
First, stay hydrated. Diarrheal illnesses deplete the body of important fluids. When you are unable to replace those fluids, you may become dehydrated. This can lead to serious health problems.
Monitor for dehydration symptoms, including:
Help traceback investigation activities by retaining product packaging. Additional affected lot numbers or products may help narrow or broaden the scope of the investigation. Your participation in these traceback investigation activities may help prevent additional illnesses.
If you have been impacted by this Kroger recall and have experienced hardships, it is a good idea to get advice from an experienced Listeria lawyer.
Contact The Lange Law Firm, PLLC for your free consultation. A compassionate team member will go over the details of your situation to determine if you have a legal case. Get your questions answered and the justice you deserve.
Call (833) 330-3663 for a free consultation today! Or fill out the online submission form and someone will contact you shortly.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)