Listeria found on Publix Spinach Dip in Florida

Spinach dip, sold by Publix Super Markets in Florida, might be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and is recalled by the retailer.

A recall for prepackaged spinach dip has been issued because of concerns about a potential risk of listeria food poisoning.

A routine bacterial test, conducted by Publix Super Markets, showed the presence of Listeria in a sampling and the spinach dip recall was announced on September 26.

The recall involves 16 ounces containers of prepackaged spinach dip sold at the deli department of Publix stores in Florida. The spinach dip is labeled with UPC code 41415-00062 and a use by date of Oct 10 C1. Spinach dip sold by Publix in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee were not recalled.

Consumers who bought the spinach dip affected by the recall are asked to return the dip to the store for a full refund. Further details can be learn calling 1-800-242-1227 or visiting www.publix.com. No sickness has been associated to this recall.

On September 14 Jensen Farms in Colorado recalled its Rocky Ford cantaloupes. That recall was linked to the deadliest food poisoning outbreak in more than 10 years. Cantaloupe Listeria outbreak killed 16 people and sickened 72 others in 18 states. In 2008 were nine deaths from a salmonella (Salmonella typhimurium bacteria) peanut butter outbreak.

There are about 800 cases of listeria infections in the U.S. linked to three or four outbreaks each year, according to the CDC. Generally the outbreaks are traced to deli meat and soft cheeses, where listeria is common.

Listeriosis is a serious bacterial infection, but it can be treated with antibiotics. Earlier diagnosis means a better cure, blood tests are used to diagnose it. The elderly, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns have a higher risk. Fever, muscle aches are the most common symptoms, also abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, severe headache, stiffness in the neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. If bacteria leave the intestines and reach the nervous system through bloodstream, they cause meningitis. In pregnant women Listeria bacterium can cause miscarriages and still births.