B&I Overseas Trading, Inc. Recalls Herring in Oil product due to potential Listeria Contamination
On December 23, 2020, B&I Overseas Trading, Inc. recalled frozen “Veladis Herring in Oil with Italian Spices” due to a possible contamination of Listeria Monocytogenes. The recalled product was sold in certain international retail stores in Washington. While all of the affected products have been removed from sale, there were still approximately 400 units sold during November and December, 2020. This product comes in a 17.64 ounce package, and has the expiration date of August 8, 2021. The UPC number associated with this product is 4823097903896. While the FDA continues to work with B&I Overseas Trading, Inc. to determine the origin of the contamination, customers are encouraged to return the affected product for a full refund.
The FDA explains that Listeria Monocytoegenes are a species of disease-causing bacteria that dwell in moist environments such as soil, water, decaying vegetation and animals, and can survive in cold environments. According to the CDC, symptoms of Listeriosis may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, fever, and muscle aches. It can also be very dangerous or life-threatening for the unborn, while pregnant women may only experience a fever or flu-like symptoms. This illness may also be very serious for the weak, elderly, and those with a weak immune system. Listeriosis is typically diagnosed through a culture from body tissue or fluid that grows Listeria Monocytogenes. This illness is treated with antibiotics. (CDC, 2016). If customers experience such symptoms, they should report their illness to authorities.
As explained by a Listeria Lawyer from Ron Simon & Associates, “The bacterium has been found in a variety of raw foods, such as uncooked meats and vegetables, as well as in processed foods that become contaminated after processing, such as soft cheeses and cold cuts at the deli counter, cantaloupes, sprouts, and frozen foods (Listeria thrives at cool temperatures and is not affected by short-term freezing).” To avoid illness, consumers should consistently check their kitchens for recalled or expired products and get rid of them, as well as practice other food safety tips.
