Listeria Symptoms, Bacteria Outbreak & Meningitis Infection

Three types of cheeses have recently been recalled by Queseria Bendita, a Yakima, Washington company due to possible Listeria food poisoning infection.  Queso Fresco, Panela and Requeson have been recalled because of the potentially dangerous Listeria monocytogenes organism that can be serious or even fatal in some individuals.

These cheeses were distributed in Oregon and Washington, and are sold at Queseria Bendita’s retail stores, which is mostly a Hispanic market.  The products in question are the Queso Fresco packaged in one and three pound vacuum packed wheels, Panela one and three pound vacuum packed, and Requeson 8 ounce and one pound cheese packed in clear plastic tubs.  Each variety has a date code up to and including “Apr 30 2010″ and a green label containing the Queseria Bendita name and type of cheese.

While there are mild illnesses that may be related to the cheese in Oregon and Washington, five people are known to have been made ill and hospitalized after consuming these cheese products.  The illnesses are what prompted the public health investigation, which led to the products being sampled and tested.  These tests concluded that the three products were contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  Production and distribution of the products has been stopped while the source of the contamination is being investigated by the Washington State Dept. of Agriculture and the U.S. FDA.

Earlier in the month cheese was recalled by the Estrella Family Creamery in Montesano, Washington.  What is interesting about these two recalls is that not all of the cheeses that were recalled were produced with unpasteurized milk, which means that the environment in which the products were being made is somehow contaminated.

Two of the five who became ill after eating the Queserita Bendita cheeses were pregnant women who became ill and gave birth prematurely because of fetal distress.  The FDA strongly cautions pregnant women against consuming soft cheeses made from raw milk products due to the possibility of serious risks to their babies.

This being said, the cheese in question in the Queseria Bendita’s recall are made with pasteurized products.  Essentially, this means that the Listeria bacteria was present in the processing facility, and may have been brought in either by an infected worker or a contaminated ingredient introduced into the environment.

Those who contract Listeria infection after eating tainted foods should contact a reputable New York food poisoning attorney, who can advise you of possible monetary compensation you may be entitled to.

A January 27th letter from the FDA warned the Kellogg Company about their failure to address food safety violations following detection of Listeria bacteria in Eggo Buttermilk Waffles in August of last year, according to a Reuters news agency.  The contamination was detected at the Atlanta Eggo and frozen food plant.

A follow-up inspection performed after the waffles were found to be tainted with Listeria found sanitation violations and bacterial contamination remained at the plant.  According to the FDA the Atlanta plant was cited for improperly sanitizing of equipment and insufficient handling of trash and food.  The Atlanta Food and Drug Administration found Listeria on five swabs that were taken from around the plant, one of the positive results coming from a forklift wheel used in the plant.  To date, no illnesses have been reported in relation to the contamination, but Listeria bacteria can cause serious illness in certain individuals, especially pregnant women.

The Kellogg company stated that it has made enhancements to the plant to insure food safety, while the warning letter sent by the FDA said that Kellogg had failed to address the violations found so far.  Kellogg told Reuters recently that all of the violations have been corrected, and that they will notify the FDA in a response to the letter of warning received in January.

Listeria food poisoning usually produces nausea, diarrhea, fever and muscle aches.  Headache, a stiff neck, loss of balance and confusion may occur if the infection spreads to the nervous system.  Those with compromised immune systems may develop meningitis and/or encephalitis.  In pregnant women, Listeria may lead to infection of the baby, stillbirth or miscarriage.

Individuals who become ill after eating foods possibly tainted with Listeria should see a doctor at once to evaluate your symptoms and to determine if you need Listeria treatment.  Manufacturers and others involved with food preparation may be held responsible for expenses associated with Listeria food poisoning.  Lost wages and medical expenses are some costs that may be recouped.

It is always a good idea to evaluate the records of restaurants to determine whether they have a good sanitation record to reduce the risks of Listeria infection. If you or a loved one have become ill after eating contaminated foods manufactured or prepared in an unsanitary manner, contact an aggressive New York food poisoning attorneys.