Listeria Symptoms, Bacteria Outbreak & Meningitis Infection

Recent tests requested by Consumers Union now have scientists concerned.  People believe that nothing is healthier than a salad tossed with bagged leafy greens.  Now, lab tests performed on major brands sold in Oregon and all over the country resulted in high levels of bacteria.  These tests were performed when Consumers Union wanted to see if produce was in good shape or if there were concerns that should be addressed.

Jean Halloran, director of food policy with Consumers Union, said that listeria, E. coli O157:H7 and salmonella were tested for as well, but tests were negative for these bacteria.  What is surprising is that out of 208 bags that were tested, 40 percent had high levels of coliform and over 20% contained high concentration of enterococus.  Even more surprising is that many of these samples were “pre-washed” and “triple washed” varieties.

Halloran stated that the bacteria that were found were not usually harmful to humans, but because of their indication of the presence of fecal contamination it could mean that more serious bacteria such as E. coli or listeria could be present in some instances.  The results of these tests are found in the current issue of Consumer Report.  Consumers are urged to wash green thoroughly, even if they are prewashed.

The tests also proved that bagged greens closest to the “use-by” date had an increased level of bacteria.

Indicator organisms like the ones found in bagged greens can mean that more serious bacteria are likely to develop, such as listeria, salmonella or E. coli.  Standards are set for these bacteria in graded milk and meats by the U.S., and are regulated by the Department of Agriculture.  However, the produce industry has no set standards similar to this, and produce falls under the Food and Drug Administration.

Currently, there is a food safety bill that has been sitting idly in the U.S. Senate while other seemingly more important issues like health care take precedence.  If this bill is finally passed, the produce industry would be forced to implement procedures to identify bacteria presence and establish food safety practices meant to prevent contamination of foods.

People over the age of 60 often purchase foods that are past the “sell by” date, or eat foods that have gone past the “use by” date in an effort to save money.  Ironically, these individuals are in the age group that are at an increased risk of becoming seriously ill from food poisoning.  Foodborne illness is usually mild and harmless, but can be extremely serious in certain individuals.

If you develop symptoms of food poisoning, seek medical advice promptly.  Common symptoms are nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and occasionally fever.  After receiving treatment, you should consider hiring a food poisoning attorney in the event that you are infected.

Lidl, a German grocery chain that sells goods at discounted prices, has recalled two of its cheese products after determining that Listeria bacteria had been found.  In order to protect consumers from the bacteria, which can be fatal for some, Lidl has asked consumers to return the product to the store where it was purchased for a refund.  The company urges customers not to eat the tainted cheese.

Higher than acceptable levels of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria was found in the Reinhardshof, Harzer Kase 200g cheese as well as the Reinhardshof, Bauernkase mit Edelschimmel 200 g.  These two particular cheeses are being pulled from the shelves, will no longer be produced by the manufacturer Prolactal, an Austrian firm.  Listeria cannot be detected by taste or smell, and can cause listeriosis, which is potentially fatal in certain instances.

Prolactal is recalling eight different types of cheese that it manufactures from German and Austrian stores.  Due to the increased risks of serious illness in pregnant women and newborns, the company will no longer sell any of these cheeses for Listeria Prevention purposes.

On another note, many consumers feel that as long as they eat foods by the “use by” date stamped on the package, they are safe.  The product will keep until that date, but once opened the listeria bacteria risks increase.

Listeria is one bacteria that will grow on hot dogs, deli meats and other cold cuts, because it grows well in a refrigerated climate.  Any foods should be eaten within 3 to 5 days of opening.  Hard cheese poses less risk of becoming contaminated with Listeria than soft cheeses, which are more susceptible to the bacteria.

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children and those with a compromised immune system should take extra precautions and visit the doctor immediately for a Listeria Diagnosis.  Complications such a septicemia and meningitis may develop, and can be life threatening.  Those who are age 60 and older can become seriously ill; in fact, the death rate may be 10 to 20% higher in individuals of this age group.  If you develop symptoms of Listeria, seek the advice of your doctor at once.  Like other food borne illnesses, the faster you obtain listeria treatment the better.

It is recommended that you contact a New York food poisoning attorney if you become ill with Listeria.  Those responsible for manufacturing or preparing foods that caused you to contract Listeria may be responsible for costs you have incurred due to your illness.