Foodborne illnesses are one of the most common reasons people go to the emergency ward. An estimated 76 million cases of foodborne disease occur each year in the United States. Some cases are more serious, and Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there are 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths related to foodborne diseases each year.
One of the worst and most potentially fatal foodborne diseases is Listeria monocytogenes. It is one of the most virulent foodborne pathogens with 20 to 30 percent of clinical infections resulting in death. Though only around 2500 per year contract the disease, a whopping 500 of them die from it.
That’s why yesterday’s recall is so important. Listeria monocytogenes has been found in a series of popular ready made deli sandwishes produced by Zemco Industries in Buffalo, New York. The Department of Agriculture has recalled approximately 380,000 pounds of the deli meat that may be contaminated.
Listeria monocytogenes was discovered in a random retail sample collected by inspectors in Georgia. The USDA has received no reports of illnesses associated with the meats.
“Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease,” according to the USDA. “Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. However, listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea.”
Recalled Lunchmeat
These are sandwiches that are prepackaged and set out in the refrigerated “Marketside” section of Walmart grocery stores for the on-the-go person who can’t wait for something to be made.
One of the major national retailers of the products is Walmart. Upon learning of the voluntary recall, Wal-Mart immediately told its stores to remove the meat from their shelves.
The meats were produced on dates ranging from June 18 to July 2, 2010. The “Use By” dates range from August 20 to September 10, 2010.
The products being recalled are -
- “Marketside Grab and Go Sandwiches BLACK FOREST HAM With Natural Juices Coated with Caramel Color” – 25.5-pound cases – number 17800 1300.
- “Marketside Grab and Go Sandwiches HOT HAM, HARD SALAMI, PEPPERONI, SANDWICH PEPPERS” – 28.49-pound cases – number 17803 1300.
- “Marketside Grab and Go Sandwiches VIRGINIA BRAND HAM With Natural Juices, MADE IN NEW YORK, FULLY COOKED BACON, SANDWICH PICKLES, SANDWICH PEPPERS” – 32.67-pound cases – number 17804 1300.
- “Marketside Grab and Go Sandwiches ANGUS ROAST BEEF Coated with Caramel Color” – 25.5-pound cases – number 17805 1300.
Listeria monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes bacteria is a pathogen that causes an infection leading to a disease called Listeriosis. The disease has a 7 to 10 day cycle in which the patient experiences muscle aches, high fever, and vomiting.
“Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy,” the USDA said.
If the infection spreads to the nervous system it can cause meningitis, an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of meningitis are headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
Both of these diseases have a high instance of death, particularly in high-risk groups as described by the CDC. If these symptoms begin and start to progress rapidly, people are advised to seek medical attention immediately because there are antibiotics and treatments to address the diseases if caught early.
Recall Lawyers
This recall falls in a bad month for massive meat and animal product recalls. August is already host to a recall of 1 million pounds of frozen ground beef patties that are popular for restaurants to use. Another was the recall of 380 million eggs, which were linked to a nationwide Salmonella outbreak that potentially sickened thousands of people. Those eggs were also used by many restaurants.
Do you see a pattern here? Just because the product is cooked by a professional, under FDA guidelines, doesn’t mean that it can’t make you sick. On top of that, just because the product may be sealed in plastic and labeled “fully cooked” also doesn’t protect you from illness.
That’s why government inspectors are diligent about testing in an attempt to stem the increasing epidemic of food borne illnesses in the United States. It is estimated that the cost to the healthcare system and the American tax payer for treatment of foodborne illnesses could be in the billions of dollars.
Essentially, it is the responsibility of the government agency to monitor, but the company that produces the product has a moral obligation to its customers that they will produce a product that will not potentially kill them. For prepackaged products especially, the contamination most likely came from the production facility itself. It is up to the manufacturer to assure that all facilities are adequately sanitized and systems are in place to monitor contamination.
If you or someone you know ate a Grab and Go sandwich produced by Zemco Industries, became seriously ill and had to be hospitalized as a result, then it is important that you find an experienced Product Liability Attorney to represent you so that you receive the compensation you deserve. Call Phillips Webster for a free consultation.
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