Chicago Listeria Recall: Contaminated Turkey Burrito Wraps

A turkey burrito wrap recall was issued yesterday by Food Evolution, due to a risk that the sandwiches could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The ready-to-eat turkey wraps were distributed in the Chicago area between September 24 and September 30, 2008.

The Chicago listeria recall only applies to about 16 pounds of turkey burrito wraps, which were sold in individual 13-ounce packages. The product packaging contains an identification number of “P-34309″ inside the USDA inspection mark.

During routine microbiological sampling, it was discovered that some of the turkey wraps were contaminated with the bacteria that could cause a severe form of food poisoning known as listerosis.

When mass produced foods are contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes, it is often due to negligence or carelessness during the manufacturing, preparation, packaging or handling of the food products.

The recall was classified as a Class I recall, since consuming the recalled turkey burrito wraps poses a reasonable probability that serious adverse health consequences or death will result

Listeria infection can severely affect the gastrointestinal tract. Listeriosis symptoms include muscle ache, diarrhea, nausea and fever.

Young children, the elderly or pregnant women and those having weak immune systems face the greatest danger from listeria food poisoning. In acute cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system from the blood stream. Listeria food poisoning has a devastating death rate of about 25%.