Deli sliced meat and cheese subject of consumer alert
The Warwick, Rhode Island, Stop and Shop has issued a consumer alert advising of potential exposure of its deli sliced meat and cheese to Listeria monocytogenes. The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) made the announcement on February 4, 2018, advising consumers that any deli sliced meat and cheese they purchased from the Stop and Shop between January 18 and February 2 may be contaminated.
The Stop and Shop and RIDOH have also announced that the store’s deli has been temporarily closed so that it can be professionally cleaned. Food safety protocol requires clean surfaces and clean handling procedures for meats and cheeses. When those protocols are not followed, the potential for contamination of the food products increases significantly.
Anyone who has purchased the deli sliced meat or cheese from the Warwick Stop and Shop should discard it properly and thoroughly clean any surfaces it may have touched, including kitchen countertops and refrigerator shelves. Stop and Shop will issue a full refund for consumers who are able to show a receipt for their purchase.
To date, there have been no confirmed reports of illnesses related to the deli sliced meat and cheese. However, given the potential exposure to Listeria monocytogenes, consumers should watch for symptoms that may include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea.
For more information about the Warwick Stop and Shop and RIDOH consumer alert, food safety regarding meat and cheese, and the potential effects of exposure to Listeria monocytogenes, contact the food poisoning lawyers at 1-888-335-4901.
