JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – This week, Kellogg Company voluntarily recalled approximately 10,000 cases of Kellogg's Eggo Nutri-Grain Whole Wheat Waffles in 25 states because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria. Doctors say while Listeria is rare -- it can be dangerous -- and add recalls like this one are a result of companies taking food safety seriously.
"In terms of actual cases it's the probably on the lower side of incidence in the United States -- estimates maybe less than two-thousand cases a year. However, it has the highest, what we would say, fatality or hospitalization rate," explained Dr. Steven Gordon with Cleveland Clinic.
Listeria is bacteria that can cause food-borne illness, known as Listeriosis. The bacteria can grow in foods such as uncooked meats and vegetables, soft cheeses and unpasteurized milk.
Listeriosis is the third leading cause of death from food poisoning, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The CDC says that between 2009 and 2011, the bacteria was responsible for more than 1,500 illnesses and about 300 deaths. The disease is most dangerous to pregnant women and their babies -- as well as people with weakened immune systems and those over 65 years old.
Symptoms of Listeriosis are flu-like and can include headaches and muscle aches, fever, nausea and vomiting. Unlike many other bacteria, Listeria is capable of growing even while in the cold temperatures of a refrigerator.
Gordon says that because food providers take great caution in food safety practices, we are seeing more recalls of food products, based on cultures or samples that show unacceptable levels of Listeria, even if no disease has been found.
"It is one of those things obviously because of the fact when it does cause illness most people are hospitalized and can cause severe disease it gets a lot of attention in that regard but I do believe that there is increased awareness from the food providers and from safety which is good for all of us," Gordon explained.
According to the CDC, if a person has eaten food contaminated with Listeria and does not have any symptoms, most experts believe that no tests or treatment are needed. However, those who have symptoms within two months of eating contaminated food should seek medical care.
Voluntary recall of Kellogg's Eggo Nutri-Grain Whole Wheat Waffles
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The recalled Kellogg's Eggo Nutri-Grain Whole Wheat Waffles are 10-count packs with "Best if used by" dates of November 21, 2017, and November 22, 2017 (found on the side of the package.) The UPC code is 38000 40370. The recalled product was distributed to customers and retailers in CO, CT, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, VT, WI, and WY.
The company says it has received no reports of illness to date, but is taking this action as part of its commitment to the health and safety of the people who eat its foods.
Kellogg is asking that people who purchased the affected product discard it and contact the company for a full refund. Consumers can call 1-800-962-1413, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET or they can visit its website.