Rhode Island Grocery Store Tests Positive for Listeria
While investigating a recent case of listeriosis (Listeria infection), Rhode Island health officials tested several food products from Compare Foods in Providence, Rhode Island. Several of the tests were positive for Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially-deadly foodborne bacteria. The Rhode Island Health Department has issued an alert regarding food purchased at Compare Foods:
Consumers are advised to discard all food items prepared at Compare Foods, 863 Broad St., Providence, RI that have been purchased any time in the past. This includes prepared foods such as sandwiches, deli sliced meats and cheeses, and prepared salads such as: tuna, macaroni, seafood, turkey, ham and cheese, potato, and Cole slaw. These foods should be discarded because there is the potential that they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes . Multiple samples collected from this market during an investigation of an illness due to this organism were positive for this bacterium.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections [Listeria meningitis] in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. However, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Please contact your health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms and you have consumed any food item prepared in this market. [Read about Listeria and pregnancy.]Pritzker | Ruohonen, a leading food poisoning litigation lawfirm, has recovered millions for victims of food poisoning, including a recent $6,425,000 settlement. To contact Pritzker | Ruohonen for a free consultation, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900, e-mail Fred Pritzker or fill out the firm's online-consultation form.