Hot Dogs and Corn Dogs Recalled Over Listeria Fears
Bar-S Foods Company, based in Vernon, California, is recalling more than 350,000 pounds of hot dogs and corn dogs made with chicken and pork, which may be contaminated with listeria bacteria. According to a KTLA news report, the company says this is a precautionary measure. Test results do not indicate contamination, but the company has decided to remove the products from the market because the bacteria was found at a manufacturing site where there have been recurring listeria contamination issues.
The recalled items include Bar-S Classic Corn Dogs, Signature Foods Corn Dogs, Bar-S Classic Bun Length Franks and Bar-S Classic Franks. These ready-to-eat items were produced between July 10 and July 13 of this year. Anyone who has these products at home should return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the company are concerned that some consumers may have frozen these products. Freezers should be checked and products should be thrown away or returned to the store.
The Dangers of Listeria
Eating food that is contaminated with listeria bacteria can cause a serious infection known as listeriosis. This infection primarily affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns and those with weakened immune systems such as cancer patients. Some of the common symptoms of listeria include fever, muscle aches, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and diarrhea. In pregnant women, a listeria infection could lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or a life-threatening infection of a newborn. Sepsis or even meningitis may occur in older adults who are infected with listeria.
Prevention Tips
This recall comes with summer and the barbecue season in full swing. Here are just a few tips to help you prevent listeria and other food-borne illnesses:
- Cook all meats to a safe internal temperature.
- Rinse raw vegetables thoroughly under running tap water before eating.
- Keep uncooked meats and poultry separate from vegetables and cooked/ready-to-eat foods.
- Wash hands, knives, countertops, and cutting boards after handling and preparing uncooked foods.
- Consume perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible.
If you have been sickened by contaminated food, get prompt medical attention, report your illness to the local health agency and contact an experienced California food poisoning lawyer who can provide you with more information about pursuing your legal rights.