As of November 30, 2020, a total of 11 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from three states.

Listeria samples from ill people were collected from August 6, 2020, to October 30, 2020. Ill people range in age from 40 to 89 years, with a median age of 84 years, and 82% are female. All 11 ill people were hospitalized. One death has been reported from Florida.

Epidemiologic evidence shows that deli meat is a likely source of this outbreak.

State and local public health officials interviewed ill people about the foods they ate in the month before they became ill. Of the 10 people interviewed, all reported eating Italian-style deli meats, such as salami, mortadella, and prosciutto. They reported purchasing prepackaged deli meats and meats sliced at deli counters at various locations.

Investigators are working to identify a specific type of deli meat or a common supplier linked to the illnesses.

Deli meats can have Listeria bacteria. Even when there are no ongoing outbreaks, people who are at higher risk of getting sick from Listeria should avoid eating deli meats, unless heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving.

Hy-Vee announced Tuesday they are voluntarily recalling two of its Hy-Vee Short Cuts vegetable mix products across its eight-state region including in Kansas and Missouri due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

“The potential for contamination was discovered during routine safety sampling at Hy-Vee’s Short Cuts production facility. To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with these products. Listeria monocytogenes is defined as an organism that 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 monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women,” Hy-Vee said in a release.

Hy-Vee is recalling Hy-Vee Short Cuts Pot Roast Mix – UPC Code 0272083305352, Hy-Vee Short Cuts Grill/Oven Ready Veggie Mix – UPC Code 0272104105992.

All affected products have a “Best if Used By” date of Dec. 3, 2020.

2 sick in New York, 7 sick in Massachusetts and 1 dead in Florida.

Late Friday, the CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) reported that they are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections.

As of October 22, 2020, a total of 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from three states – New York, Massachusetts and Florida.

Listeria samples from ill people were collected from August 6, 2020, to October 3, 2020. Ill people range in age from 40 to 89 years, with a median age of 81 years. Eighty percent of ill people are female. All 10 ill people were hospitalized. One death has been reported from Florida.

Epidemiologic evidence shows that deli meat is a likely source of this outbreak.

State and local public health officials interviewed ill people about the foods they ate in the month before they became ill. Of the nine people interviewed, all reported eating Italian-style deli meats, such as salami, mortadella, and prosciutto. They reported purchasing prepackaged deli meats and meats sliced at deli counters at various locations.

Listeria bacteria can spread easily to other foods and surfaces. The bacteria in a contaminated deli product may spread to other deli meats and cheeses in shared display cases or equipment at deli counters.  A traceback investigation is ongoing to determine if there is a specific type of deli meat or a common supplier linked to illness.

With another Listeria outbreak just announced, this one sickening 10 with 1 dead likely linked to deli meat , Marler Clark, The Nation’s Food Safety Law Firm, relaunches www.about-listeria.com.

The Marler Clark Listeria lawyers have unmatched experience representing victims of Listeria. Our Listeria lawyers have represented thousands of victims of notable Listeria outbreaks such as the 2011 Jensen Farms Listeria outbreak where over 33 people died, the 2010 Sangar Fresh Cut Produce Listeria outbreak, the 2007 Whittier Farms Listeria outbreak, the 2012 Marte brand Fescolina ricotta salata cheese Listeria outbreak, the 2016 Dole Lettuce Listeria outbreak and the 2017 Vulto Creamery Listeria outbreak.  We are presently assisting in a Listeria outbreak in South Africa that sickened over 1,000 and killed over 200.

More Resources

Learn more about Listeria

Family Health Guide About Listeria infection, or Listeriosis

Listeria Litigation

What you need to know about Listeria during an outbreak video

The CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) reported that they are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections.

As of October 22, 2020, a total of 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from three states – New York, Massachusetts and Florida.

Listeria samples from ill people were collected from August 6, 2020, to October 3, 2020. Ill people range in age from 40 to 89 years, with a median age of 81 years. Eighty percent of ill people are female. All 10 ill people were hospitalized. One death has been reported from Florida.

Epidemiologic evidence shows that deli meat is a likely source of this outbreak.

State and local public health officials interviewed ill people about the foods they ate in the month before they became ill. Of the nine people interviewed, all reported eating Italian-style deli meats, such as salami, mortadella, and prosciutto. They reported purchasing prepackaged deli meats and meats sliced at deli counters at various locations.

Listeria bacteria can spread easily to other foods and surfaces. The bacteria in a contaminated deli product may spread to other deli meats and cheeses in shared display cases or equipment at deli counters.  A traceback investigation is ongoing to determine if there is a specific type of deli meat or a common supplier linked to illness.

People who are higher risk of getting sick from Listeria should avoid eating deli meats, unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving.

Symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes usually begin one to four weeks after eating the contaminated food.  However, those who become ill have reported symptoms as early as one to seventy days after consuming the tainted food.

Country Fresh is initiating a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of watermelon chunks from select stores as a precautionary measure due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes detected on equipment used in packing this product. FDA made these findings during a recent inspection.

Listeria monocytogenes is 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.

The recall affects product codes of watermelon items shipped directly to Walmart and RaceTrac’s retail distribution centers stores in select stores located in Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas. The product was packaged in a variety of clam shell containers (see photos). The best-if-used by dates of October 2, 3, and 4, 2020 and the SKUs are as follows:

Walmart – Freshness Guaranteed
Watermelon 4 x 10 oz – UPC Code: 681131180672
Watermelon 2 x 32 oz – UPC Code: 681131180672 Watermelon Chunks 2 x 42 oz – UPC Code: 681131180658 Watermelon Spears 4 x 16 oz – UPC Code: 681131180665 Summer Blend FTC 4 x 5 oz – UPC Code: 681131355094

RaceTrac
Watermelon 5.5oz – UPC Code: 74641000644 Melon Trio 5.5oz – UPC Code: 74641031945

Country Fresh has not received any reports of illnesses to date associated with these recalled items. The recalled products were distributed from 9/23/2020 – 9/25/2020. RaceTrac and Walmart retail stores are removing the recalled product from store shelves and inventories immediately. Customers with recalled watermelon should discard it immediately and not consume it.

This recall is being undertaken with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Country Fresh takes food safety matters very seriously, stringently follows all mandated regulations and implements preventive measures designed to minimize potential risks. Country Fresh is working in close coordination with FDA in its continuing investigation to resolve the matter promptly and deeply regrets the inconvenience to our consumers and customers. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at: 1-877-251-8300 Monday – Friday, 8-5pm CST

Watermelon 32oz, Lot URR0103, Use By 10/2/20
Watermelon 32oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/3/20
Watermelon 42oz, Lot URR0103, Use By 10/2/20
Watermelon 42oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/3/20
Watermelon 16oz, Lot URR0103, Use By 10/2/20
Watermelon 16oz, Lot URS0103, Use By 10/4/20
Watermelon 10oz, Lot URR0103, Use By 10/2/20
Watermelon 10oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/3/20
Watermelon 10oz, Lot URS0103, Use By 10/4/2
Watermelon 5.5oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/4/20
Summer Blend 5oz, Lot URR0103, Use By 10/2/20
Summer Blend 5oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/3/20
Summer Blend 5oz, Lot URS0103, Use By 10/4/20
Melon Trio 5.5oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/4/20

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert because Bluegrass Provisions Co., a Crescent Springs, Ky. establishment, produced sausage products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A recall was not requested because it is believed that all products are no longer in commerce and are past their use or freeze by dates.

The ready-to-eat smoked sausage items were produced on Apr. 22, 2020. The following products subject to the public health alert are: [View Label (PDF only)]

  • 14-oz. plastic packages containing 6 pieces of “BLUE GRASS METTWURST,” with a use or freeze by date of July 23, 2020.
  • 14-oz. plastic packages containing 6 pieces of “WALNUT CREEK FOODS Smoked Sausage,” with a use or freeze by date of July 23, 2020.
  • 14-oz. plastic packages containing 6 pieces of Lidl “SMOKED BRATWURST,” with a use or freeze by date of July 23, 2020.
  • 14-oz. plastic packages containing 6 pieces of Lidl “SMOKED BRATWURST WITH CHEESE,” with a use or freeze by date of July 23, 2020.

The products bear establishment number “EST. 7417” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distributors and retail locations in Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina, and Virginia.

The problem was discovered by routine testing and the results showed one of the products was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The additional products may be affected by cross-contamination.

Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them.

A North Carolina company is recalling cole slaw after officials said it tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

According to a Friday news release from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Southern Taste of Kernersville is recalling 16-ounce containers of the cole slaw.

The cole slaw is sold as Southern Taste Deli Cole Slaw at various grocery stores, according to the news release.

“Southern Taste has ceased the manufacture of this product and is fully cooperating,” the news release said.

The recall came after a routine inspection by the N.C. Department Agriculture and Consumer Service’s Food and Drug Protection Division.

The cole slaw is sold in round plastic containers labeled as “Southern Taste Deli Cole Slaw” with a sell by date of Aug. 27, 2020, the news release said.

“This recall is a direct result of our routine inspection and testing of ready-to-eat products to protect consumers,” North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said in the news release. “These products are tested at our Food and Drug Protection Lab for common pathogens such as Listeria, Salmonella and E coli.”

Officials are investigating the cause of the contamination.

Officials said Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Garland Ventures Ltd of Garland, Texas is voluntary recalling 1095 cases of Five Cheese Stuffed Shells trays 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.

The recalled “Five Cheese Stuffed Shells” was distributed nationwide in limited number of retail stores.

The product “Five Cheese Stuffed Shells” comes in 10.76 ounces containing shells with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and parsley, and packed in aluminum foil container with clear lid marked lot# F080SS/F090SS on the bottom of label.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was noted after samples tested through certified laboratory revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in “Five Cheese Stuffed Shells”. Garland Ventures Ltd ceased the further production and distribution of product immediately.

Homestead Creamery Inc. of Wirtz, Virginia, is recalling our unsalted butter because of the potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes is 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 infections can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled butter was distributed to their distribution partners, through their home delivery and their retail store.

The unsalted butter affected comes in a half pound marked with an expiration date of April 30 stickered on the plastic packaging.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by Homestead Creamery and revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in our unsalted butter.

The productions of the product have been suspended while the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services continues to investigate the source of the issue.