Consumption of These Foods Could Lead to Food Poisoning at Your Super Bowl Party

With the approach of Sunday's Super Bowl party, it is crucial to keep an eye on the dairy products you intend to serve. This warning comes as more foods are recalled due to a lethal listeria food poisoning outbreak in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued this update on Friday.

A growing list of recalls from Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc., a Modesto, California-based company, includes items like seven-layer bean dips, chicken enchiladas, cilantro salad dressings, and taco kits. These products are marketed in popular stores such as Costco, Trader Joe's, Safeway, and Whole Foods, according to the most recent update from the FDA.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the outbreak of listeria, which has already caused two deaths and affected over two dozen people since 2014, originated from dairy products produced by Rizo Lopez Foods.

The authorities conducted investigations into this matter in 2017 and 2021. Only recently, with the latest laboratory and inspection data and more people falling sick in December, they were able to confirm the source.

Rizo Lopez Foods initiated a recall of over 60 products, including soft cheeses, yogurt, and sour cream, on Monday. These items are marketed under brands such as Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, Food City, El Huache, La Ordena, San Carlos, Campesino, Santa Maria, Dos Ranchitos, Casa Cardenas, and 365 Whole Foods Market.

The recalled items were distributed to food service providers, retailers, and deli counters across the country. The complete list of affected products can be found on the FDA's website.

So, what is a listeria infection?

Infections caused by listeria can lead to severe illnesses and, in rare instances, death. People over 65, pregnant women, or those with compromised immune systems are especially at risk. Symptoms like muscle pain, fever, and fatigue usually set in within two weeks of consuming contaminated food, but this can vary.

About 1,600 people are afflicted by listeria food poisoning each year, as per the CDC's data.

The CDC advises consumers who possess any of the recalled items to dispose of them promptly, followed by a thorough cleaning of refrigerators, counters, and other potential contact surfaces. Listeria bacteria can survive and proliferate in refrigerated environments, potentially contaminating other food items and surfaces.

(This article includes input from AP)

Sanya Singh