7-Eleven Breakfast Burrito Recall in Colorado: Risk of Listeriosis

Approximately 172 pounds of 7-Eleven burritos containing potatoes, bacon, egg and Montery Jack cheese have been recalled due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, which could result in severe food poisoning known as Listeriosis.

The breakfast burrito recall was initiated by by Home Fresh Sandwich Distributors, Inc., after routine microbiological testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) discovered possible contamination in products manufactured on December 23, 2008.

The 7-Eleven burritos were sold at convenience stores throughout Colorado on December 24, 2008 and December 25, 2008. They are labeled “7-Eleven Fresh to Go burrito with potatoes, bacon, egg & Montery Jack cheese”, bearing the establishment number “EST.19496” inside the USDA mark of inspection, and a “Best By” date of “Thursday 1225.”

There have been no reports of Listeriosis food poisoning, but consuming products contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria could cause a mild to severe infection of the gastrointestinal tract, with symptoms such as nausea, fever, diarrhea and muscle ache.

About 2,500 cases of Listeriosis occur in the U.S. every year, of which about 500 result in death. Pregnant women, the very young, elderly and immunocompromised persons like AIDS patients are at much higher risk for the infection.

In severe cases, the bacteria can spread from the intestines to the nervous system via the bloodstream causing meningitis and other complications. Listeriosis in pregnant women may lead to stillbirths, miscarriages, premature deliveries or Listeria infections in the newborn.

Listeria monocytogenes infection can be diagnosed from a blood test and treatment usually involves an antibiotic such as Ampicillin.