Panera Bread Listeria: Panera Bread cream cheese recalled for possible listeria contamination
Panera Bread has announced a voluntary recall of cream cheese products at its US restaurants, as a precaution after samples tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The samples were taken from a single production run at an unidentified plant. Production at that plant was also stopped after the positive results were discovered.
Listeria monocytogenes bacteria infects about 1600 people every year and about 260 die as a result. The common symptoms of listeriosis include muscle aches, fever, and diarrhea. However, if the infection spreads to the nervous system, the symptoms can become more serious. Listeria contamination is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn children.
Infection can often occur when food safety procedures, such as proper equipment cleaning or handwashing, are not followed. Unlike other strains of bacteria, listeriosis multiplies in foods stored in the refrigerator. According to Panera E. coli lawyers, a Panera E coli lawsuit is an option for vicitm sin the Panera outbreaks linked to E coli or Listeria.
Panera Bread stated that the recalled cream cheese products include all 2 oz. and 8 oz. products with an expiration date on or before the second of April 2018 (4/2/18). Cream cheese products from other production runs, including those right before and right after the affected products, have so far tested negative for Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
Soft cheeses, cold cut meat, and vegetables are the primary vehicles that spread listeriosis, and listeria lawyer Ron Simon has experience in litigating cases involving these foods.
Anyone who has purchased the affected Panera Bread cream cheese products should not consume them. For more information about the recall and about Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, contact the food poisoning lawyers at 1-888-335-4901.