Listeria Recall: Cantaloupes From Colorado Farm Pulled From Shelves
Jensen Farms faces first listeriosis lawsuit as it says fruit tested positive.
Sept. 15, 2011 — -- The FDA announced a recall today for cantaloupes from Jensen Farms, after the Colorado company confirmed that one of its Rocky Ford melons had tested positive for the bacterium Listeria.
A farm spokeswoman told The Associated Press that more tests would be needed to determine whether the strain found in its produce was linked to two confirmed deaths and 16 cases of listeriosis, a potentially deadly infection.
Details about the recall including states sold in and labeling of the fruit.
Jensen's Amy Philpott said the farm had shipped more than 300,000 cases across the U.S. between July 29 and Sept. 10. It has recalled the entire harvest.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that it was the first Listeria outbreak tied to cantaloupe in the U.S. Cases have been reported in five states and Colorado officials have told retailers to remove Jensen's cantaloupes from the shelves.
KMGH-TV, an ABC New affiliate in Denver, reported today that a couple was expected to file the first lawsuit related to the outbreak after the husband ate a Jensen cantaloupe and got sick. He tested positive for listeriosis and remains hospitalized.
"Jensen Farms continues to stay committed to the highest levels of food safety and maintains many third party safety audits, as we have for many years. We continually look for ways to enhance our protocol," said Ryan Jensen, partner at Jensen Farms.
Because many consumers may be left with questions about listeriosis, here are some facts from the CDC website.
What Is Listeriosis?
According to the CDC, listeriosis is a serious infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It primarily affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns and adults with weakened immune systems. Rarely, persons without these risk factors can be infected.
What Are the Symptoms of Listeriosis? How Is It Diagnosed and Treated?
A person with the infection usually has a fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions often preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Pregnant women typically experience flulike illness but infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or infections in the newborn.
The CDC says that an estimated 1,600 people become seriously ill with listeriosis every year and of these people, 260 die. A blood or spinal fluid test to look for the bacteria is used to diagnose the infection. Antibiotics given promptly can cure the illness and prevent infection in the fetus. Even with treatment, some infections can lead to death especially in at-risk adults.
How Do People Get Listeriosis?
Listeria is found in soil, water and foods of animal origin. Listeria bacteria can live in a food processing factory for years. It's been found in uncooked meats and vegetables; soft cheeses; processed meats like hot dogs and deli meat; and smoked seafood. Unpasteurized raw milk and cheeses are likely to contain the bacterium as well.
You get listeriosis by eating food contaminated with Listeria. Babies can be born with listeriosis if their mothers ate food contaminated with Listeria during pregnancy. Unlike most bacteria, Listeria can grow and multiply in some food in the refrigerator.
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