Smoked Salmon Recalled: Public Health Risk
Smoked salmon recalled due to listeria contamination! Foppen Seafood, a company based in Harderwijk, Netherlands, has issued a recall for its smoked salmon product sold at Kroger and Payless Super Market stores across 15 states.
Products Affected by the Smoked Salmon Recall
The recall specifically targets 8.1-ounce packages of Smoked Norwegian Salmon Slices – Toast-sized.
These packages can be identified by lot number 412, which is visible through a clear plastic window on the front of the product.
RECALL ALERT: Smoked salmon sold at Kroger has been recalled across 15 states.https://t.co/8hRQgBr9xZ
— Good Morning America (@GMA) June 26, 2024
Source: Twitter/Good Morning America
Distribution of the Recalled Smoked Salmon
The recalled smoked salmon was distributed in stores across the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- West Virginia
Potential Health Risks Associated with the Recalled Smoked Salmon
The recall was prompted after routine testing revealed the presence of listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause listeriosis. Listeriosis can cause a range of symptoms, from mild (fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea) to severe (headaches, stiff necks, confusion, seizures).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 1,600 people in the United States contract listeriosis each year, with an estimated 260 deaths.
Foppen Seafood’s Statement on the Smoked Salmon Recall
Foppen Seafood expressed their commitment to upholding the highest standards of health, safety, and quality in their operations.
The company has taken swift action to address the issue and is collaborating with Kroger and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a swift resolution.
What to Do if You Purchased the Recalled Smoked Salmon
If you have purchased the recalled smoked salmon, you are advised to either discard it or return it to the store where you bought it for a full refund or exchange.
Listeria is a type of bacteria known scientifically as *Listeria monocytogenes*. It can cause a serious infection called listeriosis, which primarily affects certain high-risk groups such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Here’s a detailed overview:
What is Listeria?
Characteristics of Listeria:
- Type: Listeria monocytogenes* is a gram-positive bacterium.
- Environment: It is found in soil, water, and animal feces and can contaminate food products. It can grow in refrigerated temperatures, making it a significant concern for food safety.
- Survival: It can survive and multiply at low temperatures, which means it can be found in refrigerated and processed foods.
Sources of Contamination:
- Food: Commonly found in deli meats, hot dogs, dairy products, and seafood. Ready-to-eat foods like smoked fish and cheeses are particularly at risk.
- Environment: Can contaminate food processing facilities and equipment.
Symptoms of Listeriosis:
- Mild Symptoms: Fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Severe Symptoms: If the infection spreads to the nervous system, it can cause symptoms like headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
- Pregnant Women: It can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
Health Impact:
- Incidence: Approximately 1,600 cases of listeriosis occur annually in the United States.
- Mortality: About 260 deaths per year are attributed to listeriosis.
- Risk Groups: While healthy individuals might experience only mild symptoms, high-risk groups can suffer from severe, sometimes fatal, infections.
Prevention:
- Food Safety: Proper handling, cooking, and storage of food can prevent listeria contamination. This includes maintaining good hygiene practices and ensuring foods are cooked to safe temperatures.
- Avoiding Certain Foods: High-risk individuals are advised to avoid consuming high-risk foods like unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats unless reheated, and certain ready-to-eat foods unless properly cooked or handled.
Regulatory and Safety Measures:
- Monitoring and Control: Agencies like the FDA and CDC monitor and manage outbreaks and contamination in food supplies.
- Recalls: Products contaminated with listeria are subject to recalls to prevent outbreaks and ensure public safety.
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