Listeria in Cheese: Aldi and Market Basket Recall - What You Need to Know
Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium that can cause serious illness, has been found in certain cheese products sold at Aldi and Market Basket. This has prompted a widespread recall, leaving many consumers concerned. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the situation, including details of the affected products, potential risks, and crucial information to keep yourself safe.
What Products Are Recalled?
The recall involves several varieties of cheese produced by Saputo Cheese USA, a major dairy producer. Specifically, the following products are affected:
- Aldi:
- Private Selection Black Truffle Cheese
- Private Selection Fontina Cheese
- Private Selection Parmesan Cheese
- Private Selection Romano Cheese
- Market Basket:
- Market Basket Parmesan Cheese
- Market Basket Fontina Cheese
Important Note: This recall applies to specific batches of the mentioned cheeses. The affected batch codes can be found on the product packaging. Consumers are advised to check their cheese packages carefully and discard any products with the matching codes.
What is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium commonly found in soil, water, and animals. While it is typically harmless, it can cause serious illness, particularly in vulnerable populations, including:
- Pregnant women: Listeria can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery.
- Newborns: Infants are particularly susceptible to listeriosis.
- Older adults: The immune system weakens with age, making older individuals more vulnerable to infection.
- People with weakened immune systems: Individuals with underlying medical conditions such as HIV or cancer are at higher risk.
Symptoms of Listeriosis
Listeriosis symptoms often appear 2 to 30 days after consuming contaminated food. They can include:
- Flu-like symptoms: Fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea.
- Neurological symptoms: Headache, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance.
- More serious complications: Sepsis (blood poisoning) and meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord).
What Should I Do If I Have Consumed Recalled Cheese?
If you have consumed any of the recalled cheeses, monitor yourself for symptoms of listeriosis. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.
How to Protect Yourself from Listeria
- Wash your hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food.
- Clean surfaces: Disinfect all surfaces that come into contact with raw cheese.
- Separate foods: Store raw cheese separately from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
- Cook food properly: Heat cheese to a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F.
- Avoid eating soft cheeses: Soft cheeses like brie, camembert, and feta are often made with unpasteurized milk, which can be contaminated with Listeria.
- Check product recalls: Regularly check for product recalls from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Where to Find More Information
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA):
Remember: Staying informed about food safety is crucial to protect yourself and your loved ones. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to potentially contaminated food.