Since the recent Listeria related cantaloupe recall was issued, many have theorized as to why the cantaloupe became contaminated in the first place. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been linked to 109 illnesses and 21 deaths. At least one miscarriage is being blamed on this Listeriosis food poisoning outbreak. Additionally,there are four strains of Listeria bacteria currently related to the outbreak being investigated by the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration, and state/local governmental agencies.
Louisiana state health officials were upset that they were not part of the initial cantaloupe recall issued on September 14th. Instead, Louisiana was not listed as receiving recalled cantaloupes until two weeks later and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals was not warned until September 30th. Louisiana epidemiologists are currently warning consumers and investigating a the death of an 87 year old woman who had Listeriosis. Tests will soon reveal if the strain matches that of the current multi-state Listeria outbreak.
What came as such a surprise in this outbreak is the source currently being investigated. One common misconception about Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria that results in Listeriosis food poisoning, is that it is normally linked to unpasteurized dairy, soft cheese, fish, and processed meats. However, other food items can lead to Listeria foodborne illness.
Food manufacturers and producers always bear the responsibility of preventing foodborne illnesses. If food comes in contact with potentially fatal bacteria such as Listeria during the production, shipping, or manufacturing process, it can land on our kitchen tables contaminated. Listeria causes miscarriages and stillbirths. Elderly and those with weak immune systems are often left fighting nausea, diarrhea, potential convulsions, confusion, other nervous system symptoms. Anyone experiencing Listeria type symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
