Made Fresh Salads Inc. of Bay Shore, NY, is recalling its 5-pound containers and 30-pound containers of “Macaroni Salad” and 5-pound containers of “Tuna Deluxe Salad” because of the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
The recalled “Macaroni Salad” and “Tuna Deluxe Salad” were distributed statewide in retail stores. This recall applies to all lots and codes of LoBoy brand Macaroni Salad, LoBoy brand Tuna Deluxe Salad, Made Fresh Salad brand Macaroni Salad, and Made Fresh Salad brand Tuna Deluxe Salad.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The contamination was discovered after sampling by New York Department of Agriculture and Market Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in some 5-pound containers of “LoBoy Macaroni Salad” and “LoBoy Tuna Deluxe Salad.” Production of the products has been suspended.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look, smell or taste spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled productsand developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here)
