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.
