When it comes to pregnancy, food safety becomes a serious concern. Recent outbreaks and recalls of foods due to listeria are particularly worrying for expecting mothers. In this article, we explore these recalls, the risks involved, and the measures you can take.
The Threat of Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can harm pregnant women and their unborn babies. Symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and diarrhea typically show up days after consuming the contaminated food. In some instances, however, symptoms may not appear until months later.
According to Scott Roberts, M.D., assistant professor of infectious diseases at Yale School of Medicine, listeria can cross the placenta leading to infection in the fetus due to immune system suppression during pregnancy.
Recent Listeria Recalls
Among the recent recalls due to listeria contamination are broccoli florets by Braga Fresh sold at Walmart. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered the contamination in a Texas store. The exact product recalled is a 12-ounce bag of Marketside Broccoli Florets. Consumers are urged to either discard or return the affected bags.
The FDA has also flagged certain soft cheeses due to possible listeria contamination. The cheese recall includes brands like Aldi Emporium, Supreme Oval, and Market Basket. The contamination was traced to the processing equipment and a voluntary recall issued by the company, Savencia Cheese USA.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded a recall on ready-to-eat meat and poultry products distributed by Yu Shang Food, Inc. due to listeria contamination. The CDC has recorded 19 infections thus far, including one pregnant woman and four infants.
Lastly, TreeHouse Foods, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of waffle and pancake products sold in most retail stores due to potential listeria contamination. The products range from everyday waffles to specialized treats like buttermilk vanilla waffles and organic Buckwheat Wildberry waffles.
The Frequency of Listeria Outbreaks
While it might seem like foodborne illnesses are on the rise, Janet Buffer, the senior institute manager of the Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security at the George Washington University, says otherwise. Records show no significant increase in illnesses in recent years, according to Buffer. Rather, increased awareness about food safety and advancements in identification algorithms result in more frequent reports on outbreaks.
The increased awareness allows for quick identification and withdrawal of contaminated food from the market, curbing the spread of the outbreak and potentially preventing more infections.
Steps to Take If You Have Recalled Products
If you discover that you possess recalled foods in your home, don't panic. Recalls don't always mean the food is contaminated, but it's essential not to consume recalled products because listeria and other foodborne pathogens can't be seen, smelled, or tasted.
You should also clean the area where the food was stored, disinfecting it carefully to ensure all traces of the potentially harmful bacteria are eliminated. Furthermore, Dr. Roberts advises throwing out food that was in close proximity to the recalled product.
Any product under recall can typically be returned to the store for a refund. If you have consumed the product or exhibit symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Diagnosis typically involves a blood test, and treatment usually includes antibiotics to prevent harm to the baby.
In summary, maintaining vigilance on the current food recalls can go a long way in ensuring the health and safety of both expectant mothers and their unborn babies. By knowing what foods to avoid and what actions to take if exposed, you can successfully navigate through this critical period safely.