Sainsbury’s has recalled its Taste the Difference Spanish Chorizo Iberico ring due to the presence of listeria. The retailer has recalled all date codes of the product as listeria monocytogenes has been found in some of the products.
Listeriosis is a food poisoning caused by the
bacteria listeria monocytogenes. It can cause a range of symptoms, including
fever, muscle aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, it
can cause more serious complications such as meningitis.
Pregnant women, babies, the elderly, and people
with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing listeriosis.
Listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn death in pregnant
women.
Sainsbury’s has advised customers not to eat the recalled chorizo product and to return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.
What to do if you have bought the recalled
chorizo product
If you have bought Sainsbury’s Taste the
Difference Spanish Chorizo Iberico ring, do not eat it. Return it to the store
from where it was bought for a full refund. If you have eaten the recalled chorizo product
and are concerned about your health, contact your doctor or NHS 111.
What is listeria monocytogenes?
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria
that can cause food poisoning. It is found in soil and water, and can
contaminate a variety of foods, including raw meat, poultry, fish, fruits,
vegetables, and dairy products. Listeria monocytogenes can grow at cold
temperatures, so it is important to keep food properly refrigerated. Listeria
can also survive in some processed foods, such as hot dogs, deli meats, and
soft cheeses.
Symptoms of listeriosis
Symptoms of listeriosis can develop anywhere
from a few days to several weeks after eating contaminated food. Most people
who develop listeriosis experience mild symptoms such as fever, muscle aches,
chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms usually go away on their
own within a few days.
However, in some people, listeriosis can cause
more serious complications, such as meningitis. Meningitis is an inflammation
of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It can cause a variety of
symptoms, including fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and
confusion. Pregnant women who develop listeriosis can pass
the infection to their unborn babies. This can cause miscarriage, stillbirth,
or newborn death.
Treatment for listeriosis
Listeriosis is usually treated with
antibiotics. However, in some cases, it can be fatal.
How to prevent listeriosis
There are a number of things you can do to
prevent listeriosis:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after handling food.
Cook meat, poultry, and fish to a safe internal temperature.
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
Avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products.
Keep food properly refrigerated.
Pregnant women should also take the following
precautions:
Avoid eating hot dogs, deli meats, and soft cheeses unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables unless they are washed thoroughly.
Avoid contact with farm animals and their waste.
If you are concerned about your risk of developing listeriosis, talk to your doctor.
