News agencies reported that over 8,000 packages of smoked salmon were recalled last week due to potential Listeria contamination. A month earlier, Listeria caused the recall of packaged 5 and 7-layer dips. EMSL Analytical, a foodborne pathogen-testing firm, is now available across the nation to aid food companies in testing their products for pathogens, allowing the potential for greatly reducing recalls in the future.
According to Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc, Joe Frasca, “Listeriosis is the name of a general group of disorders caused by Listeria monocytogenes. The manifestations of listeriosis include septicemia, meningitis, encephalitis and intrauterine or cervical infections in pregnant women, which may result in spontaneous abortion or stillbirth. These health concerns, product recalls and the costs associated with lawsuits due to food poisoning can be prevented with testing for Listeria and other foodborne pathogens. EMSL has laboratories across North America that provide these vital testing services.”
A press release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that “Listeriosis, a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, is an important public health problem in the United States. The disease primarily affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems. However, rarely, personal without these risk factors can also be affected.”
As a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, I’m glad that a company has taken the initiative to solely focus on the health issues in the food industry. If you’ve been injured through the consumption of a defective food product, consult a product liability lawyer to learn more about the legal options open to you.