The largest manufacturer in the United States, Sabra Dipping Co., has issued a massive hummus recall. The recall affects most of its hummus products that were produced before Nov. 8 because the hummus may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, which cause listeriosis and lead to serious illness or death for some people. The Listeria contamination was found to be present during testing at Sabra’s manufacturing plant. So far, tests of finished products have not led to positive test results.
According to the Food and Drug Association and Sabra, the list of products is very long and includes many of its most popular products, including classic hummus, red pepper hummus, garlic hummus, spinach and artichoke hummus and many others. However, a good rule of thumb is to get rid of virtually any hummus products affixed with a “Best Before” date through Jan. 23, 2017. Consumers can find that date on the lid of each package. The recalled products were distributed to supermarkets and foodservice accounts throughout the United States and Canada and consumers can either throw the products away or they can contact Sabra or their local store for a full refund. Sabra notes that the recall only affects hummus products, and not products such as Sabra Salsa, Sabra Organic Hummus, Sabra Greek Yogurt Dips and Sabra Guacamole.
Consumers who consume Listeria-contaminated food risk a serious infection called Listeriosis. For otherwise healthy people, the symptoms of infection can often include fever, nausea and muscle aches for a short period of time. Sometimes, it can also include severe headaches and diarrhea, which can be bloody. However, for many people, especially small children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems can see much serious symptoms over a much longer period of time. It is especially dangerous if it enters the bloodstream, as it can lead to encephalitis. Listeria infection can also be extremely dangerous for pregnant women, possibly causing miscarriage, premature delivery or even stillbirth. It is also possible to pass on the infection to the newborn, which can be life threatening for the baby.
Unlike many other food-borne bacteria, cold temperatures can’t kill Listeria, which means leaving it in the refrigerator doesn’t make the product safer. Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics, but sometimes, symptoms don’t’ show up for several weeks or even months later. The only way to keep you and your family safe is to discard the recalled products as soon as possible. To date, there have no reports of contaminated products, let alone illnesses, but it’s not worth the risk.
If you or a loved one have become ill or even died and you believe it is because you ate this hummus or some other potentially contaminated food product, please see a doctor immediately. Then, if the diagnosis is a food-borne illness, please contact an experienced and knowledgeable food poisoning lawyer at Hill Law Firm. We have the experience and the skill to go after even the biggest companies for negligence. Let us help you protect your legal rights.