Squash Noodle Medley from Giant Foods Recalled for Possible Listeria Contamination
WARNING: LISTERIA IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
Giant Foods is recalling their store brand squash noodle medley product for potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Giant Foods has not revealed whether illnesses have been reported due to the product, or what testing was used to confirm Listeria contamination. The recall is for the store brand squash noodle medley sold from August 8, to August 19, 2020, with UPC code 068826718585 and “Best Enjoyed By” date of August 19, 2020. Although it has past the “Best Enjoyed By” date, customers may still have the product in their refrigerator or freezer. Consumers are urged to dispose of the contaminated product immediately, or return it to their local Giant Foods for a full refund. Once disposed of, all surfaces that have come in contact with the squash noodle medley, such as freezers, should be thoroughly cleansed to avoid cross contamination. Those who have consumed the product should monitor themselves for up to 70 days after consumption for any symptoms of a Listeria infection.
According to the CDC, Listeria monocytogenes is the foodborne illness causing bacteria that causes the infection listeriosis. Listeriosis can be a severe infection for those with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, children, those with autoimmune disorders, and pregnant women, who are at the upmost risk. In pregnant women, listeriosis often presents as flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. Pregnant women are 10 times more likely to be infected with listeriosis than anyone else and the infection often results in a severe infection in the fetus and even the loss of the fetus. In those that are not pregnant women, listeriosis symptoms include confusion, a stiff neck, loss of balance, fever, muscle aches, and a headache. Symptoms of listeriosis typically develop 1 to 4 weeks after consumption, though cases have presented symptoms as early as one day and as late as 70 days after exposure. If you believe you are suffering from listeriosis, contact your physician immediately for the best course of treatment.
