US FDA Recalls Frozen Spinach Over Listeria Contamination Risk; Know the Risks

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall for a few frozen spinach products after they tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, a species of pathogenic bacteria that causes the deadly infection of listeriosis. According to the recall notice, the products were sold by food supplier Sno Pac Foods, which voluntarily initiated the recall after a bulk case of frozen spinach tested positive for contamination. “No illnesses have been reported,” the FDA said in its statement. Authorities say the recalled items were distributed to stores across the United States. According to news reports, the potential contamination with Listeria was discovered after a bulk case of spinach was tested and found positive. The contaminated box was of the same

lot code used to repack the 10-ounce bags. The FDA said production of the frozen spinach has been suspended while the company continues to investigate the source of the problem.

What is listeriosis?

Listeriosis is a form of food poisoning you get from the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. A lot of people also refer to this bacterial infection as just Listeria. In many people, a listeria infection can cause mild symptoms like a fever, headache, diarrhoea, or vomiting. But if you have a weak immune system or are over 65 years of age, you are at higher risk for life-threatening complications. If you are pregnant, the infection can pass to the fetus during pregnancy or at birth. This causes pregnancy loss or serious, life-long health issues for your child.

Signs and symptoms of Listeria

A few signs and symptoms of listeriosis include:

• High fever and chills
• Severe headache
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fatigue and tiredness

You may not have all these symptoms, but if listeriosis spreads beyond your digestive system, you can have a few additional and severe symptoms, which include confusion, loss of balance, stiff neck, and seizures. According to doctors, the symptoms of listeriosis start a few days to two weeks after eating contaminated food. If you are pregnant, you may have mild or no symptoms but can still pass the infection to the fetus.

What causes Listeria?

According to experts, listeriosis is caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes when eating or drinking something contaminated with the bacteria. If you are pregnant and get a Listeria infection, you can transmit it to the fetus during pregnancy or childbirth.

What are the complications of listeriosis?

Listeria spreads from your digestive tract to other parts of your body, which causes very serious complications, including:

• Inflammation of your heart, bones, or the lining of your abdominal organs
• Inflammation in your brain and spinal cord
• Miscarriage or stillbirth if you are pregnant
• Severe pneumonia
• Sepsis – a severe reaction to an infection that causes organ damage
• Septicemia - bacteria multiplying in your blood and spreading to other parts of your body
• Urinary tract infections
• Death

If you are born with listeriosis or if you get an infection that spreads to your brain or causes sepsis, you could have long-lasting health conditions, a few of which are:

• Developmental delays or differences
• Blindness or vision issues
• Organ failure
• Paralysis
• Seizures