Due to the outbreak of listeria, many frozen fruit and vegetable products and seeds have been recalled these past three weeks. Since late 2013, eight people have been hospitalized and there has been two deaths. 358 products sold under 42 brands have also been recalled from many grocery stores.
Listeria is a bacteria that can be found in deli meats, dairy products, and various plant sprouts. Listeria causes a variety of symptoms including fever, muscle aches, and diarrhea along with more serious symptoms such as convulsions and even miscarriages. Around 260 people die from foods contaminated by listeria each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ways to reduce the risk of eating food contaminated with listeria are to wash fresh produce, separate uncooked meat from produce, and make sure that dairy products are made with pasteurized milk.
