Fears of Listeria Poisoning Prompt Recall of Chicken Salad, Pork Products

Officials of the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service have released a statement confirming the recall of over 6,600 pounds of chicken salad and pork products marketed by two Taylor Farms in Dallas and California over fears of possible listeria contamination.

The affected recall products were manufactured between Monday to Thursday, February 6-9, and branded with HEB and Signature Café brands. The recall was announced on Monday, February 10, after officials of Sargento Foods which supplies cheese products to Taylor Farms got wind of the possible listeria contamination. So to avoid an outbreak of the infection, all the batch products were recalled.

What is listeria and what are its symptoms?

Listeriosis is caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Although many people may not present symptoms, the infection can cause loss of balance, stiff muscles, convulsions, headache, fever and diarrhea among other gastrointestinal troubles. The infection may start to show a month after ingesting food products contaminated with the bacteria and healthcare must be sought immediately a patient suspects a listeria infection, Patch reports.

Those who fare worse with listeria infection are pregnant women, very old people, and people with weak or compromised immunity. The infection can be treated with strong antibiotics but it can be terrible in pregnant women if urgent medical attention is not sought. It can cause miscarriage, stillbirth and premature baby delivery in pregnant women, Star Telegram writes.

USDA officials provide safe tips to prevent listeria infection

Officials of the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) advise consumers to ensure that they wash hands with soap after handling poultry and other raw meat. Cold and refrigerated foods must be steamed hot before consumption. Refrigerated smoked seafood must not be refrigerated before consumption. You must avoid drinking unpasteurized milk and foods with no pasteurized milk. Since listeria bacteria can grow in the refrigerator, consume instant foods immediately. If you are ever in doubts and need professional help, you must call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 or speak to your healthcare provider.

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