Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak Claims Lives and Sickens Many
A dangerous outbreak of Listeria linked to deli meat has resulted in tragic loss of life and concerning illnesses across multiple states. At least 10 people have been hospitalized and 1 death has been reported so far. Health agencies are working urgently to get to the bottom of this developing situation and prevent further harm.
The Severity of Listeriosis Outbreaks
Listeria monocytogenes bacteria causes a serious infection called listeriosis. An estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis each year, resulting in about 260 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Certain people are especially vulnerable including the elderly, pregnant women and their newborns, and those with weakened immune systems.
Common symptoms of a Listeria infection include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. However, Listeria can also cause miscarriages, stillbirths, and serious illness or loss of life in newborns. When infections spread to the nervous system, symptoms such as confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions can occur.
The Deli Meat Link
Many types of foods can carry Listeria, however deli meats are a prime suspect in numerous past outbreaks. Deli meats, such as ham, turkey, roast beef and salami pose a higher risk as Listeria thrives in the cold, moist conditions of refrigerated foods and spreads easily through contact surfaces in processing facilities. Pregnant women are often advised to avoid eating deli meats for this reason or to heat the meat thoroughly before eating.
The Multi-State Spread
The CDC indicates that the Listeria outbreak has so far affected 10 people across 3 states, causing 1 death in New York. The other cases have resulted in hospitalization with a median age of 81 among patients. States impacted include Massachusetts, New York, and Florida demonstrating the bacteria's ability to spread through distribution channels.
Despite interviews with those affected, no common supplier, retailer or brand of deli meat has yet been confirmed as the definite source of the outbreak strain. However, additional laboratory testing is underway to help connect the dots. Previous Listeria outbreaks have been traced back to facilities where cross contamination led to widespread distribution before discovering the root cause.
Agencies Pull Out All Stops to End the Outbreak
Both the CDC and U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) are applying full resources to investigate the contamination source and supply chains involved. State and local agencies are also engaged in the response to this outbreak.
The CDC is utilizing their advanced genome sequencing techniques on collected patient samples. Comparing the DNA fingerprint of the outbreak strain can help definitively determine if cases in different locations share a common source. The FSIS and state agencies are gathering supplier, distributor and retailer purchase records for analysis also using this DNA fingerprinting information.
Swift Recall and Disposal Protocol Initiated
If a specific manufacturer is identified as the contamination source, an immediate recall will be issued with the FSIS notifying the public and publishing information on brand names and identifying package codes. Affected products would be removed from store shelves and distribution centers rapidly. The agency may also mandate temporary suspension of production at facilities linked to the outbreak strain until deep cleaning processes can be completed.
Advice to Consumers amid Investigation
While investigations are still ongoing, the FSIS cautions the public to follow food safety best practices around deli meats and other refrigerated products. Consumers should check fridge and freezer temperatures to ensure they run below 40F and 0F respectively. Meat and poultry deli products should be sliced just before serving or consumed within 3 to 5 days to prevent bacteria growth.
Pregnant women, elderly adults, young children and anyone with a health condition should take extra care and avoid eating deli meat products unless they are reheated to an internal temperature of 165F or until steaming hot before serving. Following these food safety guidelines can prevent infection while authorities work to contain this Listeria outbreak.
Looking Ahead to Prevent Future Outbreaks
Public health and food safety authorities will utilize the findings from this investigation to bolster future prevention measures against Listeria and other pathogens entering the food supply, saving lives down the road.
Increasing Inspection and Testing
Facilities supplying deli meat linked to the outbreak strain would undergo intensive follow-up sampling and inspection to verify cleaning and sanitation processes eliminate Listeria prior to resuming production. Inspections may also increase at secondary suppliers and distributors as well as consumer retailers to validate food handling controls across supply chains.
Testing protocols could be updated to implement more frequent Listeria sampling to swiftly detect any reoccurrence. Preventative testing and monitoring best practices would also be reinforced industry-wide.
Advancing Equipment and Facility Safeguards
Investigating how Listeria managed to enter and spread through a deli meat processing environment will inform containment improvements. Updated criteria could be introduced around facility layout and flow, surface materials, cleaning systems and protective barriers on machinery.
More processors could adopt antimicrobial wash treatments for cold cut meats along with protective wrapping or packaging innovations to safeguard foods all the way through to consumer fridge shelves.
Though the tragic loss and illness inflicted by this outbreak is disheartening, valuable findings will emerge to make our food supply even safer in the future.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of Listeria infection?
Common symptoms include high fever, headache, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In severe cases confusion, loss of balance, stillbirths, and serious illness or death can occur if the infection spreads.
Why are deli meats a risk for Listeria?
The cold, moist conditions of refrigerated deli meats enable rapid bacteria growth. Listeria also spreads easily through contact surfaces at processing facilities.
What should you do if you have eaten recalled deli meat?
If you have consumed recalled deli meat linked to this outbreak, monitor yourself closely for Listeria symptoms for 2 months and seek medical care at the first sign of illness. Certain people are at higher risk for severe infection.
How can consumers protect themselves amid the outbreak?
Heating deli meats to 165°F kills harmful bacteria. Pregnant women, elderly, young kids and those with medical conditions should avoid eating deli meat to prevent potential Listeria infection.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment