Sabra Dipping Co. has voluntarily recalled some of its hummus products that were produced before Nov. 8 for possible listeria contamination.
Listeria monocytogenes, which causes listeriosis was identified at the company's manufacturing facility albeit not in tested finished products.
Listeriosis And Its Symptoms
Listeriosis is a serious infection often characterized by fever and muscle aches. It is sometimes preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. Healthy individuals may suffer from short-term symptoms such as severe headaches, high fever, nausea and diarrhea.
Dangers Of Listeria Infection
Symptoms may vary but the disease is particularly dangerous for pregnant women as it can lead to premature delivery, miscarriage, stillbirth or life threatening infection of the baby.
People who eat food that are contaminated with listeria can develop symptoms days or months later. Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics but it can be very dangerous causing encephalitis when it gets out of the intestine and into the bloodstream.
Unlike other forms of foodborne pathogens, listeria can grow even in cold temperature, which means that a contaminated product can get more dangerous even inside the refrigerator.
"The bacteria can multiply so it becomes more likely to make you sick. So it's very important that you check your refrigerator that you don't have any of these products, and discard them," William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University Medical Center told CBS News last year amid recalls made by Blue Bell Creameries of its ice cream products and Sabra of its classic hummus over possible listeria contamination.
Affected Products
Products that were voluntarily recalled by Sabra were distributed to supermarkets and foodservice accounts in Canada and the U.S. Consumers are urged to throw away products with a best before date up through Jan. 23, 2017, which they can find on the lid of the package. Those who have purchased affected products and want to get reimbursement for their purchase may contact www.sabrahummusrecall.com.
"Consumers can contact Sabra Consumer Relations at 1-866-265-6761 for additional information from 9:00 am to 8:00 PM eastern time," FDA said in a statement announcing the voluntary recall. "The company has subsequently taken steps to correct this matter."
The recall only affected certain products of the company. Sabra products that are not affected include Sabra Salsa, Sabra Organic Hummus, Sabra Greek Yogurt Dips and Sabra Guacamole.
The company said that it has issued the recall out of an abundance of caution.
Here is the list of the recalled products.
