Announced on February 3rd, Fresh Ideation Food Group LLC based in Baltimore, issued a recall for over 400 ready-to-eat products because of possible Listeria concerns. The products were recalled after samples of Listeria monocytogenes were found in the processing facility and products were recalled as a precautionary measure. The products that were recalled have a sell by date from January 31st-February 6th and include deli sandwiches, sliced fruit, wraps, croissants, snack trays, pizza, and yogurt. They are sold under a variety of brand names but are marked with the “Fresh Creative Cuisine” label, signifying that they come from the Baltimore facility. The FDA has a complete list of the recalled products on the FDA website. The recalled products were sold in vending machines and retail stores across the east coast of the United States as well as on Amtrak’s Northeast Regional trains. There have not been any reported illnesses related to this recall at this time.
What is Listeria?
Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious infections in humans and can be found in a variety of foods such as meats, dairy products, and fresh produce. It is particularly dangerous because it can grow at refrigeration temperatures which makes ready-to-eat foods susceptible to contamination. The bacteria can be killed by properly cooking and heating up the ready-to-eat foods, which means that foods such as fruit, yogurt, and sandwiches that are consumed cold are especially risky.
Some of the common Listeria symptoms include muscle aches, fever, headaches, and diarrhea but can become potentially fatal for high risk individuals such as young children, immunocompromised people, the elderly, or pregnant women. Symptoms from Listeria infection usually begin within 24 hours of consuming the bacteria. Individuals experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
