FDA Warns of Listeria Risk in Shakes Distributed to Nursing Homes
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about a milkshake product distributed to nursing homes that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a serious foodborne illness-causing bacteria.
According to the FDA, the potentially affected product is a milkshake mix from Wisconsin-based Farm Fresh Dairy, which was distributed to several nursing homes in the state. The FDA advises that the affected product is a single-serve, tetra-pak carton of milkshake mix with a use-by date of August 2023 or earlier.
The FDA took action after receiving reports of Listeria isolated from the product, which can cause serious and even life-threatening illnesses, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
Listeria can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, and stiff neck, and in severe cases, it can lead to meningitis, septicemia, and death. The FDA and other health authorities are working closely together to investigate the matter and ensure that any affected products are removed from the market and properly recalled.
Residents and staff at the affected nursing homes have been notified and advised to discard any remaining inventory of the product. The FDA is also working with the nursing homes to ensure that they take all necessary steps to keep their residents safe.
"We take food safety very seriously, and we are working closely with our partners to ensure that any affected product is removed from the market and that residents and staff are protected," said a spokesperson for the FDA.
This is not the first time that Listeria has been found in dairy products. In recent years, there have been several outbreaks linked to contaminated soft cheeses, ice cream, and other dairy products. The bacteria can grow on the surface of these products, making them a risk to consumers.
In a statement, the manufacturer of the milkshake mix, Farm Fresh Dairy, apologized for the incident and assured the public of their commitment to providing safe and clean products.
"We take food safety extremely seriously and are cooperating fully with the FDA and other authorities to ensure that all affected product is removed from the market and that our products meet the highest standards of quality and safety," the company said.
The FDA recommendations to nursing homes and consumers are straightforward: always check the "use by" date and the product label for any signs of tampering or contamination, and discard any product that appears to be past its expiration date or shows signs of spoilage. Additionally, consumers should always check with the manufacturer or the store where they purchased the product to verify its safety and authenticity.
The FDA is urging consumers to be vigilant in monitoring their food supplies and to report any incidents of foodborne illness to the agency’s adverse event reporting system.
In conclusion, the FDA’s warning about the potential Listeria contamination in milkshakes distributed to nursing homes serves as a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing food safety and taking swift action in the event of a foodborne illness outbreak. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the complex global food supply chain, it is crucial that consumers, manufacturers, and regulators work together to ensure that we all have access to safe and healthy food options.
