Food Poisoning Lawyer & Attorney : Marler Clark : Food Poison Blog

Seoul Shik Poom, a Hillside, New Jersey, company, recalled frozen, salted, and dried yellow croaker products for potential contamination with clostridium botulinum, the pathogen that causes botulism poisoning, late last week.  Products recalled include:

• BG1103 Salted Yellow Croaker (bag) 2.2 lbs
• BG1121B Dried Yellow Croaker (bag) 4.5 lbs
• BG1121 Dried Yellow Croaker (bag) 2.2 lbs
• BG1122B Dried Yellow Croaker (bag) 4.5 lbs
• BG1124 Yellow Croaker (bulk box) 29.73 lbs
• BG1124A Yellow Croaker (bulk box) 31.6 lbs
• BG1123 Yellow Croaker (bulk box) 30.83 lbs

According to the Press of Atlantic City, the yellow croaker products were packaged in clear plastic bags that were individually tied. They were distributed in retail stores in New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. Routine testing revealed the potential for contamination, and no illnesses have been reported in connection with these products.

In a separate recall, Ca Rem #1 Ice Cream, a SeaTac, Washington, business, recalled coconut-flavored popsicles for potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination after sampling conducted by the Washington State Department of Agriculture resulted in a positive test for Listeria. No illnesses associated with the consumption of these products have been identified. According to a report at KIRO TV.com:

The Ca Rem #1 popsicle is sold in 3-ounce un-coded plastic bags, primarily in Asian food markets and restaurants in western Washington and western Oregon.

Consumers who have purchased Ca Rem #1 popsicles should throw out the product and not eat it. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 206-720-1887.

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The Milford Daily News reported that two people died after drinking milk produced by Whittier Farms in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.  According to the story, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a warning to consumers not to drink milk produced by the dairy because it might be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. 

Whittier Farms distributes most of its milk to homes in the greater Worcester/Shrewsbury area under the brands Whittier, Schultz, Balance Rock, Spring Brook, and Maple. The dairy has ceased production until health officials are able to determine where the contamination occurred.

According to the Milford Daily News:

Four cases of listeriosis infection have been identified by DPH, according to a statement released by the state department late this afternoon. The cases occurred in June, October and two in November. The four cases involved three elderly residents and a pregnant woman from Worcester county. Two of the people have died. They have not been identified.

DNA fingerprinting conducted by the State Laboratory Institute showed that the bacteria causing these infections came from a common source. Samples collected showed product contamination.

Pregnant women are about 20 times more likely than other healthy adults to get listeriosis. About one-third of listeriosis cases happen during pregnancy. The incidence of listeriosis in the newborn is 8.6 per 100,000 live births. There is no routine screening test for susceptibility to listeriosis during pregnancy, as there is for rubella and some other congenital infections. Newborns, rather than the pregnant women themselves, suffer the serious effects of infection in pregnancy. Persons with weakened immune systems due to treatment, particularly transplant recipients10 and persons on treatment for lymphoma, but also other cancer victims, are at significantly increased risk for Listeria infection.

• Persons with AIDS suffer listeriosis 65-145 times more frequently than the general population.
• Persons who take glucocorticosteroid medications (also called cortisone) are also at increased risk. The most common medication prescribed in this class is prednisone. The threshold above which prednisone begins to have a significant effect on the immune system is 20 mg per day for 5 days.
• The elderly and certain debilitated patients (such as those on dialysis or alcoholics) are at minor increased risk for listeriosis.

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The USDA announced Tuesday that ground beef patties distributed to schools had been recalled for contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.  According to the USDA recall announcement:

The Maramont Corporation, a Brooklyn, N.Y, firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 88 pounds of a beef patty product that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The following product is subject to recall:

* 2-oz packages of "BROILED BEEF PATTY (MICROWAVE)." The products were individually packaged and delivered from 17.25-pound cases. Each case label bears a lot code of "07352" and product number "2801." Each case label also bears the establishment number "EST. 5370" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The beef patty products were produced on Dec. 18 and distributed on Dec. 19 to schools in the Jersey City, N.J., area.

It is believed that ingestion of as few as 1,000 cells of Listeria bacteria can result in illness. After ingestion of food contaminated with Listeria, incubation periods for infection are in the range of 3 to 70 days, usually 4 to 21 days.

Five days to three weeks after ingestion, Listeria has access to all body areas and may involve the central nervous system, heart, eyes, or other locations. Fetuses of pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the Listeria bacterium. A person with listeriosis usually has fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, loss of balance, confusion, obtundation or convulsions can occur. With brain involvement, listeriosis may mimic a stroke.

Infected pregnant women ordinarily experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth. The perinatal and neonatal mortality rate is 80%.

Human cases of Listeria are, for the most part, sporadic and treatable. Nonetheless, Listeria remains an important threat to public health, especially among those most susceptible to this disease. With the increase of the numbers of immunocompromised people, the risk multiplies. The fact that Listeria is a disease easily transmitted from mother to fetus through the placenta is worrisome to an expectant mother, especially since pregnant women themselves rarely show outward signs of such a devastating infection.

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The Times-Argus of Barre and Montpelier, Vermont, featured an article about Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen.  The article focuses on the need for specific populations (i.e. pregnant women, elderly people) to be aware of the risks Listeria poses to them, and on the importance of public knowledge about Listeria since it is present in many environments and can be a contaminant in processed foods.

Listeria emerged as a serious contamination problem in meat and poultry products in the 1980s. By 1999, an especially virulent strain of L. monocytogenes had evolved, alarming health officials and prompting them to urge food producers to clean up their act. When another disastrous outbreak occurred in 2002, the inspection service concluded that voluntary measures were not enough and more stringent regulations were needed.

Although the "interim final rule" for ready-to-eat meat and poultry products issued in 2003 has helped control exposure to the bacteria, it has clearly not eliminated it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 2,500 people become seriously ill with listeriosis each year, and 500 people die of it.

Last year, in a further effort to protect the public, the Food and Drug Administration approved using an antiseptic spray to help control contamination of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. The spray contains a mix of six bacteriophages, otherwise harmless viruses that destroy L. monocytogenes. Consumers cannot tell, however, whether this spray has been used, which means those at risk of serious listeria infections should continue to follow the guidelines below.

More about Listeria can be learned at about-listeria.com.

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Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially deadly foodborne pathogen, has been found in lettuce samples, according to a story published at monstersandcritics.com. 

WKMG-TV in Orlando reported Saturday that Listeria bacteria has been linked to lettuce imported from California and sold at a Fresh Market store. Store officials said late Friday the lettuce has been pulled and no reports of illness had been made.

"We will continue to monitor the situation to ensure our stores are taking all necessary precautions," Fresh Market said in a press statement.

Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) is a pathogenic (disease-causing) bacterium that is food borne and causes an illness called listeriosis. It is frequently overlooked as a possible cause of illness due to its unique growth capabilities. First, it is somewhat difficult for laboratories to grow, and when they do so, Listeria can be confused with common harmless contaminants and disregarded. Second, most bacteria grow poorly when temperatures fall below 40°F, while Listeria survives in temperatures from below freezing (20°F) to body temperature and it grows best at 0°F to 50°F, including the temperature range that we use for refrigeration. As a result, Listeria may be transmitted in ready-to-eat foods that have been kept properly refrigerated. Its ability to grow in such diverse environments is just one of the many challenges presented by this dangerous bacterium.

It is estimated that Listeria causes approximately 1,600 cases of listeriosis annually, resulting in 415 deaths.

Listeriosis is the disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes. It is acquired by the ingestion of contaminated foods. Certain groups of individuals are at great risk for listeriosis. These are pregnant women (and their unborn children) and immunocompromised persons (e.g., transplant recipients). Among infants, listeriosis occurs when the infection is transmitted from the mother, either through the placenta or during the birthing process. These host factors, along with the amount of bacteria ingested and the virulence of the strain, determine the risk of disease.

Listeria can invade the body through a normal and intact gastrointestinal tract. Once in the body Listeria bacteria can travel through the blood stream, but are often found inside cells (they are "intracellular" pathogens). Listeria can co-opt the cell's machinery to its own advantage by manipulating the host cell genes, and then move directly from cell-to-cell, avoiding many of the host's defense mechanisms. The bacteria also produce toxins that damages cells.

For unknown reasons, in immune-deficient hosts Listeria invades and grows best in the central nervous system, causing meningitis and/or encephalitis (brain infection). In pregnant women, the fetus is most heavily infected, leading to spontaneous abortion, stillbirths, or sepsis in infancy.

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The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to consumers not to consume Organic Pastures raw cream after testing revealed the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause food poisoning.  The FDA stated in its warning:

This product, marketed by Organic Pastures Dairy Company ("Organic Pastures"), Fresno, Calif., may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause a serious and sometimes fatal disease called Listeriosis 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, Listeriosis can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The product was sold in retail stores throughout California and was also available worldwide via phone orders, and is not pasteurized. Pasteurization, a process that heats milk to a specific temperature for a set period of time, kills bacteria responsible for diseases such as listeriosis, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria and brucellosisis. The California Department of Food and Agriculture issued an order to Organic Pastures on September 7 to withdraw the raw cream from retail distribution after routine product sampling at the facility detected the bacteria. As of September 20, 2007, the California Department of Agriculture has now permitted Organic Pastures to sell and distribute raw cream within the state of California.

FDA advises consumers to throw away product labeled as "ORGANIC PASTURES Grade A RAW CREAM" with code dates "SEP 14" through "SEP 21".

It is believed that ingestion of as few as 1,000 cells of Listeria bacteria can result in illness. After ingestion of food contaminated with Listeria, incubation periods for infection are in the range of 3 to 70 days, usually 4 to 21 days.

Five days to three weeks after ingestion, Listeria has access to all body areas and may involve the central nervous system, heart, eyes, or other locations. Fetuses of pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the Listeria bacterium. A person with listeriosis usually has fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, loss of balance, confusion, obtundation or convulsions can occur. With brain involvement, listeriosis may mimic a stroke.

Infected pregnant women will ordinarily experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth. The perinatal and neonatal mortality rate is 80%.

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According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgia health officials discovered Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of Italian-made Ricotta Salata cheese.  Listeria causes an illness known as listeriosis, which can be particularly severe in pregnant women and elderly people.  The AJC reported:

The agriculture department said the contamination was found in a package imported under the brand name of Locatelli and marked to sell by Jan. 21. The cheese was imported by The Ambriola Company, Inc. of Jersey City, New Jersey.

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Cloud's Food Service is recalling tuna salad and egg salad sandwiches for possible contamination with Listeria Monocytogenes, a foodborne bacterium.  4219 units are included in the recall, according to the Food and Drug Administration, which posted a recall notice on its webste:

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 41907-72507

All sandwiches were sold in convenience stores in East Texas, West Louisiana and Southwest Arkansas.

Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) is a pathogenic (disease-causing) bacterium that is food borne and causes an illness called listeriosis. It is frequently overlooked as a possible cause of illness due to its unique growth capabilities. First, it is somewhat difficult for laboratories to grow, and when they do so, Listeria can be confused with common harmless contaminants and disregarded. Second, most bacteria grow poorly when temperatures fall below 40°F, while Listeria survives in temperatures from below freezing (20°F) to body temperature and it grows best at 0°F to 50°F, including the temperature range that we use for refrigeration. As a result, Listeria may be transmitted in ready-to-eat foods that have been kept properly refrigerated. Its ability to grow in such diverse environments is just one of the many challenges presented by this dangerous bacterium.

It is estimated that Listeria causes approximately 1,600 cases of listeriosis annually, resulting in 415 deaths.

Listeriosis is the disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes. It is acquired by the ingestion of contaminated foods. Certain groups of individuals are at great risk for listeriosis. These are pregnant women (and their unborn children) and immunocompromised persons (e.g., transplant recipients). Among infants, listeriosis occurs when the infection is transmitted from the mother, either through the placenta or during the birthing process. These host factors, along with the amount of bacteria ingested and the virulence of the strain, determine the risk of disease.

For unknown reasons, in immune-deficient hosts Listeria invades and grows best in the central nervous system, causing meningitis and/or encephalitis (brain infection). In pregnant women, the fetus is most heavily infected, leading to spontaneous abortion, stillbirths, or sepsis in infancy.

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The Washington Department of Agriculture warned this week that raw milk may be contaminated with Listeria, a foodborne pathogen.  In a press release, the Department of Agriculture stated:

Consumers who have purchased raw milk from Our Lady of the Rock on Shaw Island, San Juan County, during the week of April 29 should discard it immediately due to the risk of Listeria contamination.

A routine sample of the unpasteurized milk from the dairy was taken April 30 and found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The dairy operation was notified of the laboratory test results on Friday, May 11.

As of today, no illnesses have been reported as a result of the contamination. Individuals who have consumed the raw milk and become ill are advised to consult their physician or their local health department.

Five days to three weeks after ingestion, symptoms of Listeriosis will appear if a person becomes infected. A person with listeriosis usually has fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, loss of balance, confusion, obtundation or convulsions can occur. With brain involvement, listeriosis may mimic a stroke.

Human cases of Listeria are, for the most part, sporadic and treatable. Nonetheless, Listeria remains an important threat to public health, especially among those most susceptible to this disease. With the increase of the numbers of immunocompromised people, the risk multiplies. The fact that Listeria is a disease easily transmitted from mother to fetus through the placenta is worrisome to an expectant mother, especially since pregnant women themselves rarely show outward signs of such a devastating infection.

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An article on HOI.com titled, "E. coli and Friends," gives a good description of several foodborne pathogens featured at www.foodborneillness.com.  Reporter Jen Christensen profiles E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria, and describes how health officials determine which pathogen is responsible for illness:

Tracking Down the Culprits

When stomach symptoms occur, people tend to attribute the cause to a “bug” rather than food. Clues suggesting a possible foodborne pathogen include severe symptoms and having more than one person is affected – especially if the symptoms occur in several families. A physician may contact the local health department to determine if other cases have been reported. In addition, stool samples may be sent to a lab for testing.

It can take quite a bit of detective work to track down a source of foodborne illness. Not everyone who eats a contaminated food product gets sick (typically the very young, very old, patients with chronic medical conditions and those with weak immune systems are most susceptible). The severity of symptoms may also vary.

Health officials gather data on patient characteristics, how long they have been sick and places they may have visited days before the onset of illness. Hopefully, common traits will begin to emerge, such as “everyone ate at the same restaurant” or “ate the same food.” Suspect food items may be tested for the presence of bacteria or toxins. As more clues emerge, experts may be able to narrow down or pinpoint the source of the problem. In some cases (as with the peanut butter/salmonella link recently), an investigation may lead to an extensive recall of a particular food item.

The E. coli Reference Center at Penn State University is the nation’s largest repository for E. coli strains, holding more than 70,000 strains collected over the last 40 years. The bacteria are frozen to enable researchers to study and track changes or genetic mutations that may make the illness more difficult to treat. Older samples are stored at room temperature in “slants,” or test tubes containing a solid growth medium to preserve the culture. The lab can also test a current sample for the bacteria and look for genes associated with those causing the most serious illness.

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