On October 17, 2018, the United States Department of Agriculture announced a recall that spans several companies and multiple grocery stores. The recall was issued because of possible listeria and salmonella contaminated ready-to-eat and premade vegetables. Items potentially affected include corn and onions.
All the recalled vegetables, which initially involved 217 to 940 pounds of salad, were produced by the company McCain Foods. The premade foods are sold at retailers like Walmart, Trader Joe’s, 7-Eleven, Whole Foods, Teeter, Harris, and Kroger.
According to KETV NewsWatch 7, the following companies are issuing recalls:
- Buddy’s Kitchen
- Caito Foods
- Envolve Foods
- Ruiz Food
- SK Food Groups
- Bakkavor Foods
For a full list of the products being recalled by these companies, click here.
Listeria and salmonella food poisoning can be incredibly dangerous. Listeria is a bacteria most commonly found in raw foods. Vegetables can be contaminated by soil and water carrying the bacteria. Salmonella is the second most common intestinal infection in the United States. A Salmonella infection usually occurs when a person eats food that has been contaminated with the feces of animals or humans carrying the bacteria. While eggs, meat, and poultry are commonly affected, vegetables can be too.
Healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill from Listeria; however, pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, people with weak immune systems, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, or AIDS, are much more likely to fall ill. The possible symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss and balance, and convulsions. The bacteria can be treated with antibiotics.
A Salmonella infection is easier to contract that Listeria. Common symptoms include fever, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. Children and the elderly are more likely to experience complications like reactive arthritis and a focal infection.
If you or someone you know is experiencing the any of the symptoms listed above after consuming a premade salad, it’s imperative to call your doctor as soon as possible or seek emergency medical care.
For the latest on possible recalls in your area, check out the federal recall website. You’ll have access to past and current information on all food recalls and alerts, as well as incidents of food illness outbreaks.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding any type of product liability case or recall in Nebraska, contact our office today.