Archive for March 18th, 2010
Heluva Good Recalls Cold Pack Cheese Products
Two varieties of Heluva Good Cold Pack Cheese Food have been recalled as a precautionary measure after the state of Wisconsin found Listeria monocytogenes in some of the finished product. The recall was issued January 11, 2010. So far, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled cheese food. Listeriosis rarely affects healthy adults, but in those who are at high risk infection can be fatal.
Identifying the Recalled Heluva Good Cheese
The recalled cheese was sold in:
New York Pennsylvania New Jersey Maryland Delaware Ohio Virginia West Virginia Maine New Hampshire Connecticut Massachusetts Vermont Rhode Island
Two varieties have been recalled:
If you have either of these products in your home, do not consume them. You can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Listeriosis
Listeriosis is a form of food poisoning caused by eating food that is contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Foods most often associated with the disease include cold cuts, hot dogs, and soft cheeses.
Healthy adults rarely become seriously ill when they ingest Listeria contaminated foods. However, in those at high risk the disease can be fatal.
Pregnant women are at extremely high risk for becoming infected. In addition to illness in the mother, listeriosis during pregnancy can cause:
Miscarriage Still birth Infection in newborn baby Death of newborn baby
People with compromised immune systems are also at high risk for contracting listeriosis, as are the elderly and those taking glucocorticosteroid medications. Diseases which increase the rick of becoming ill if you are exposed to Listeria include:
AIDS Cancer Kidney disease Diabetes
Symptoms of listeriosis include:
Fever Headache Chills Muscle aches Stiffness Abdominal pain Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Convulsions