Possible Listeria Contamination In Sandwiches
Posted by Slobokan @ 12:25 · 471 words · print
Last week, Cloud's Food Service recalled sandwiches due to listeria contamination.
Longview, TX – August 7, 2007, CFS Operating Ltd. of Longview, Texas is recalling 4219 units of Cloud's Tuna Salad Sandwiches and Egg Salad Sandwiches because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
These sandwiches are labeled with "Cloud's Tuna Salad" and "Cloud's Egg Salad" located on the product label. The product was packaged in flexible plastic film and plastic wedges. Recalled products are as follows:
* Cloud's Tuna Salad Sandwich on White Bread, 5 oz., date code 62607-72507
* Cloud's Egg Salad Sandwich on White Bread, 5 oz., date code 41907-72507All sandwiches were sold in convenience stores in East Texas, West Louisiana and Southwest Arkansas.
There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the recalled product. The problem was discovered through FDA sampling during an inspection. CFS Operating Ltd. is working with the FDA to ensure that the problem has been resolved.
Consumers who have purchased Cloud's Tuna Salad and Cloud's Egg Salad sandwiches are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact David Floyd at (903) 758-7011.
And now this week, IFS, Inc. is recalling sandwiches for the same reason.
August 10, 2007 — IFS, Inc. of South Elgin, IL is recalling 7,500 Sandwiches, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
This product reached consumers through vending machines and c-stores in IL, WI, MI, IN, OH, MO.
These products are in a plastic wrapper and contain the exp. 073007.
The items are Buffalo Chicken Sandwich PLU # 3707, Cuban Sandwich PLU # 3795, and Asiago Italian PLU #3770.
No illnesses have been reported as of 07/30/2007.
The recall is the result of a routine sampling program by IFS, Inc. which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. IFS, Inc. has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the IFS, Inc. continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.
If you find any of this product, please contact the location you received it from, or contact IFS, Inc. directly. The contact information is as follows:
847-741-2544
740 Schneider Dr.
South Elgin, IL 60177
Posted by Scott
August 14, 2007 @ 10:17
Maybe we should spray all lunch meats with viruses to prevent this problem?
Do you or someone you know work for Intralytix by chance?
Statistically, Listeria is a non-issue, but Intralytix stands to make a BUTT LOAD of money when their virus spray becomes mandatory.
Posted by Slobokan
August 14, 2007 @ 10:20
Intralytix? Never heard of it.
Listeria may be a non-issue statistically, but tell that to people who have been sickened by it.
"Statistically" dangerous or not, people need to know about that danger no matter how statistically important you think you are.
Posted by Scott
August 14, 2007 @ 10:36
You might want to research Intralytix a bit.
The FDA passed their anti-Listeria virus concoction without any real testing. They only verified that the endotoxins produced by the bacteria when Intralytix's virus attacks them is not enough to kill anyone.
Nobody knows what these viruses will do to the human immune system, digestive tract, etc.
So I would suggest not only getting the word out about Listeria, but also what is being done to prevent it and some of the dangers that both present.
Posted by Slobokan
August 14, 2007 @ 12:42
Below, I have included some links for readers of this post.
I agree with Scott though, I'm not too sure of a process that adds viruses to our food supply.
Intralytix, Inc.
Science News (from 2000)
FDA Approves Spraying Of Viruses
FDA Says Viruses Safe For Treating Meat
Posted by Scott
August 14, 2007 @ 13:34
Some other questions to ponder on this topic are:
How can one avoid meat products sprayed with viruses? (hint: You can't. They do not require labeling. I may have just ate some with my sub for lunch!)
Who is maintaining quality control of these viruses before, during and after it is sprayed on meats?
How tight is security at Intralytix?
What is preventing a terrorist from adding some smallpox to the virus mix? (That is a very scary scenario…)
What are the chances of these viruses mutating, as viruses often do?
Not to be completely negative, there are some up-sides to this process. Bacteriophages, which is what the viruses are called, have been used for years in Russia as an alternative to antibiotics. They are very beneficial in many types of bacteria control and it sounds like there has been very little if no side effects from their use.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacteriophage
The main problem I have with this, aside from the obvious security issues, is the fact that nobody asked me if I wanted viruses sprayed on my food!
That and a really good explanation of said viruses to anyone who eats them is needed.