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.
