Homestead Creamery in Wirtz, Virginia: Recall on Unsalted Butter Due to Listeria
Homestead Creamery in Wirtz, Virginia, is recalling their unsalted butter product due to possible Listeria monocytogenes. After routine testing, Homestead Creamery found traces of Listeria monocytogenes in their unsalted butter product and issued a recall. The All Natural, Unsalted Butter product comes in clear plastic packaging in one size of a half pound of butter, with expiration date April 30, 2020. The recall is in part with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), who is continuing the investigation to determine the source of Listeria contamination. Due to the Coronavirus, the FDA has stopped all routine food inspections as of March 18, 2020; thus, state agencies, such as the VDACS, are in charge of food inspections. No cases of food poisoning due to Listeriosis from the unsalted butter have been reported as of April 2, 2020. Homestead Creamery sells product online, to retail distributors, and in their store. Persons who have purchased the contaminated unsalted butter should not consume the product, rather dispose of the unsalted butter or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Listeriosis is caused by the consumption of the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes which thrives in water and soil and can in turn infect various foods. Symptoms of Listeriosis typically begin 1-4 weeks after ingestion, though symptoms have been reported as early as one day and as late as 70 days after ingestion. Listeriosis typically resents in healthy adults as typical food poisoning symptoms: diarrhea, fever, and muscle aches. Typically these symptoms resolve themselves with time; however, Listeriosis can be severe if the infection spreads to the nervous system. Symptoms of a nervous symptom infection include loss of balance, seizures, confusion, headaches, and a stiff neck. Persons belonging to high risk groups, such as the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems, are more likely to contract Listeriosis and specifically contract a nervous system or blood infection. Pregnant women are of the utmost risk, being approximately ten times more likely to contract Listeriosis than the general population, according to the CDC. Listeriosis in pregnant women often results in the loss of fetus, or severe infection in the fetus. If you believe you have ingested Listeria and are suffering from Listeriosis, contact your physician for treatment.
