Listeria poses a significant threat!
In a recent development, 17 people have fallen ill, and tragically, 3 deaths have been reported due to a listeria outbreak linked to marinated olives produced by Kalamatos Food GmbH. This outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the severity of listeriosis, an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes.
Symptoms of listeriosis are typically gastrointestinal, including diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. However, it's important to note that in some cases, symptoms may not appear until after a longer incubation period of up to 3 weeks. If you experience such symptoms after consuming potentially contaminated products, it is crucial to seek medical advice immediately.
Listeria bacteria can be particularly dangerous for certain groups of people. Pregnant women, for instance, face the risk of miscarriage or severe illness in newborns if infected. Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are also at a higher risk.
To prevent listeriosis, it is essential to:
- Avoid consumption of recalled or suspicious food products, such as the marinated olives implicated in this outbreak.
- Practice good food hygiene and storage, such as refrigerating perishable foods properly and avoiding cross-contamination.
- Be especially cautious with ready-to-eat foods and thoroughly wash or cook foods when applicable.
Staying informed about recalls and food safety alerts is crucial to prevent infection during outbreaks like this one.
It is important to note that Kalamatos Food GmbH conducted an in-house inspection in Garbsen, Lower Saxony, and discovered dangerous bacteria in marinated olives. The affected olives were sold at Edeka, Rewe, Bütning, and Bela stores in eleven states: Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia. Only products with a best before date of 14 July 2025 are affected.
Listeria bacteria can survive in cold environments and are known to contaminate soft cheeses and apparently, products like marinated olives. Although these conditions are treatable with antibiotics, they still result in death in 30 percent of cases. In children or people with a weak immune system, listeriosis can be life-threatening, potentially leading to blood poisoning or meningitis.
Customers are strongly warned against consumption and advised to return the packages to the stores for a full refund. If you experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or flu-like complaints, you should definitely see a doctor.
- In light of the recent listeria outbreak linked to marinated olives, it's prudent to be aware of the connection between food-and-drink and health-and-wellness, particularly when it comes to science-related issues like this one.
- To promote a lifestyle that prioritizes safety, it's essential to follow food safety guidelines, such as avoiding recalled products and practicing good hygiene, which can help prevent the spread of dangerous bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes.
