Ready-to-Eat Sushi Salads and Spring Rolls Recalled for Listeria Contamination
Ready-to-Eat Sushi Salads and Spring Rolls Recalled for Listeria Contamination
Ready-to-eat sushi, salads and spring rolls sold by major retailers across much of the United States are being recalled by Fuji Food Products due to possible listeria contamination. According to a CBS News report, the contaminated products have been distributed in 31 states including Washington D.C. The contaminated products were also sold to retailers like Trader Joe’s, 7-Elven, Walgreens, Food Lion, and Superior Foods.
The problem was discovered during a routine inspection by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of a company facility in Brockton, Massachusetts. The recalled sushi, salad and spring roll products are packaged in plastic trays with clear lids and the sell-by dates are on the labels. Consumers who purchased the recalled products are urged to discard them.
The Danger of Listeriosis
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about 1,600 people contract listeriosis, each year nationwide and approximately 260 people die annually as a result of this infection. Listeriosis is most likely to affect pregnant women, infants, elderly (adults older than 65) and people with weakened immune systems.
In pregnant women, listeriosis could lead to miscarriages or stillbirths. Those who develop a listeria infection may experience symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. If the listeria infection spreads to your nervous system, you may also experience symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion or changes in alertness, loss of balance and convulsions.
What Steps Can You Take?
There are several steps vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women, can take to minimize their risk.
- Identify risky foods such as soft cheeses and stay away from them.
- Do not drink raw, unpasteurized milk or eat cheeses made from it.
- Heat deli meats and hot dogs until steaming hot before consuming them.
- Prevent cross-contamination in the refrigerator or other places in the kitchen.
- Use a thermometer to make sure that your refrigerator is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower and your freezer is zero degrees or lower.
If you have suffered a listeria infection as a result of eating contaminated food, you may be able to seek and obtain compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, cost of diagnostic testing, hospitalization, and pain and suffering. Be sure to get the medical attention you need right away. Report your illness to the local healthcare agency. Contact an experienced California food poisoning attorney who will fight for your rights and help hold the negligent parties accountable.
