The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced the recall of approximately 58,180 pounds of beef products from a Texas company. The ready-to-eat beef products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Ingestion of an unsafe product subject to the recall could lead to Listeriosis.
Listeriosis is caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. This serious infection most often occurs in older consumers, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. The symptoms may vary from person to person. However, the most commonly seen symptoms include fever, aching muscles, headaches, and stiff necks. Depending on the severity of the infection, confusion, convulsions and loss of balance may also occur.
The infection ordinarily begins as a gastrointestinal issue that can spread outside the digestive system. It can cause a pregnant woman to miscarry, go into premature labor and lose her child. It can also be passed from the mother to her newborn. In some cases, it can cause death.
The company, Rio Tex Wholesale Meats, which is located in Mercedes, Texas, and the FSIS are concerned that some people may have an affected product in their homes, even though the products are ordinarily sold to restaurants, hotels and other institutions. This could make recalling all of the meats difficult. The plant manager may be contacted by anyone who has questions regarding the company's products.
Every company is responsible for the quality of its products. Anyone who believes he or she contracted Listeriosis from an unsafe product retains the right to file a complaint against the company. Depending on the seriousness of the illness, medical bills, lost wages and other damages can add up quickly. If a family loses a loved one to such an infection, surviving family members may also file a civil action seeking damages as well.