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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges the public to avoid eating processed meats. Listeria outbreak Since 2011, it has become the country's largest.
The head of the underground called again At the end of July More than 7.2 million pounds of ready-to-eat liverwurst and some other meat products are being recalled because of concerns about listeria contamination, but the CDC says at least a dozen more cases of listeriosis have been reported in recent weeks.
Documents First obtained by CBS News, insects and mold have been identified at the company's facility connected to the memorial, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
In connection with the disease, 57 people were hospitalized and 9 people died in 18 regions. The CDC says this listeria outbreak is the largest since it was linked to cantaloupe in 2011.
Because some people have mild cases and may not have been tested for listeria, the actual number of illnesses is likely higher than reported, the agency said. There is also a delay between when a disease occurs and when scientists can link it to further testing.
The CDC advises consumers to check their kitchens for any residue. Recalled products Because they can have a long shelf life. “Search for EST. 12612″ or “P-12612” in the inspection mark on USDA labels. Some products have sell-by dates as late as October 2024.
Among the recalled products are liverwurst, ham, bologna, sausage and fried bacon. Most of the sick people reported eating turkey or liverwurst, and some reported eating ham.
However, the pig's head He says. Any products currently available at Delhi counters may not be recalled.
Insects and mold were identified at the Virginia Kershead plant associated with the memorial USDA documents.
Reports from the USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service show 84 “non-compliant” incidents from January 2022 to August 2024, with 69 of those since August 2023. Mold appears on doors, near the sink and in various places on the ceiling. A report in February 2024 described “blood in pools on the floor” and “a foul smell in the refrigerator.”
“We are deeply saddened by the impact this recall has had on the affected families,” the Bor chief told in a statement on Thursday. There are no words that can express our sorrow and the heartfelt and deep sorrow we feel for those who have lost or are sick.
The company said it is working with food safety experts to investigate how the liverwurst made at the Jarratt facility was contaminated.
“As soon as we became aware of the health risks associated with our liver wurst, we recalled it and then, out of an abundance of caution, voluntarily recalled every product made in the same facility,” the statement said. “We have temporarily suspended production at this facility in Jarratt, Virginia, and will not resume until we are confident it will meet the standards our customers expect and deserve. Consumer health and safety are our top priorities.
The USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service, known as FSIS, has suspended inspections at Bor's headquarters, meaning the facility will remain closed until it can demonstrate that it produces a safe product.
According to the USDA, the facility is regulated by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Talmadge-Aiken Cooperative Research ProgramThis allows some states to provide federally regulated services.
“Inspectors found noncompliance, and the facility implemented corrective actions in compliance with FSIS regulations,” the statement said. “FSIS is working closely with VDACS to ensure an effective system for producing safe food for the public.”
Listeria bacteria are hardy and can survive on surfaces like countertops and cuts of meat, so you don't even need to eat contaminated produce to get sick. It can easily spread on the deli by transferring from equipment to the ground to hands and food, the CDC said. Freezing does not kill the bacteria, but heat can.
Anyone who is pregnant, 65 or older, and has a weakened immune system is advised to avoid eating any meat unless it is warmed up.
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If ground beef was at home, clean the refrigerator and any containers or surfaces that came in contact with it and watch for signs of listeriosis, which can take up to 10 weeks to develop.
Listeria bacteria causes listeriosisIt is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States.
Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches and fatigue. The infection may cause neck stiffness, headache, confusion, or seizures.
Anyone with symptoms of listeriosis should seek immediate medical attention.
The period of this epidemic extends over several months. CDC said.As the first person got sick at the end of May. The investigation is ongoing.
CDC It is encouraging. People who get sick with listeria can contact local public health officials to find out what they ate in the past month and ask for receipts or leftover food to help determine the cause of the outbreak.