Fresh or soft cheeses such as queso fresco, queso blanco, or queso panela have been linked to 7 cases of listeriosis, a dangerous infection caused by the bacteria called listeria monocytogenes, the CDC said Friday.
The diseases occurred in Connecticut, Maryland, New York, and Virginia. The 7 people who became ill were hospitalized. No specific type or brand has been identified, and the products have not been recalled.
Of the 4 people interviewed so far by the Food and Drug Administration (USDA), 3 reported having consumed at least one or more types of queso fresco, and the 3 people said they had eaten cheese cool.
Who is at high risk?
Listeria represents a special risk to pregnant women. They are 10 times more likely than other people to contract a listeria infection, says the CDC. Almost 20% of infections in pregnant women result in spontaneous abortion; and in almost 3% of cases, listeriosis results in the death of newborns.
It is also more dangerous and potentially fatal for the elderly, young children and newborns, and people with immunosuppressive conditions. It is rare for people outside of these groups to contract listeriosis.
The CDC recommends that anyone in a high-risk group avoid all fresh cheeses until a brand or name is identified. kind of cheese.
For other people, if you choose to eat these cheeses, make sure the label says “made with pasteurized milk.” Soft cheeses made from raw (unpasteurized) milk have long been known to be a potential source of listeria. However, soft cheeses made with pasteurized milk have also been a source of outbreaks caused by listeria.
“If you have this type of cheese in your refrigerator, throw it out and clean the area where it is you stored, ”says Sana Mujahid, PhD, manager of food safety at Consumer Reports. “Unlike most foodborne pathogens, listeria continues to grow in refrigerator temperatures. The bacteria that remain can contaminate other foods stored in the same area. ”
Symptoms of listeria infection
According to the CDC, Listeria symptoms may appear 1 to 4 weeks after someone eats the contaminated food, but symptoms have also occurred on the same day and up to 70 days later.
Pregnant women often experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever and muscle aches. Others may also have a fever or muscle aches, along with diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, they may also experience a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.
Due to the danger to people in high-risk groups, it is important to consult See a doctor if you experience these symptoms and have eaten this type of cheese.
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2021, Consumer Reports, Inc.
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with the advertisers on this site . Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works with consumers to create a just, safe, and healthy world. CR does not endorse products or services and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2021, Consumer Reports, Inc.
