Hummus Recall Issued Again by Sabra Over Listeria Risks
Certain Sabra hummus products have been recalled, after testing confirmed the presence of listeria monocytogenes that may cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly among young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
The FDA posted the Sabra hummus recall on November 19, after listeria was found on equipment at a Virginia manufacturing facility during routine testing. To date, investigators have not found any listeria in products that made it to shelves, and no listeria food poisoning incidents have been linked to the recalled hummas.
Sabra Dipping Co. announced on the recall on their Twitter account on Saturday, adding that the company has halted production to thoroughly clean and sanitize the entire plant where the listeria was found.
Included in the recall are various flavors and sizes of hummus products manufactured prior to November 8, 2016. Sabra is recalling all hummus products with a “Best Before” date up through January 23, 2017. Customers are being asked to stop consuming the products immediately and confirm the “Best Before” date on the lid of the package. Sabra Organic Hummus, Sabra Salsa, Sabra Guacamole and Sabra Greek Yogurts are not included in the recall.
For a full list of the recalled products and UPC codes please visit the FDA recall notice linked above.
This is the second time in two years that a Sabra recalled hummus due to listeria risks. A Sabra Classic Hummus recall, affecting bout 30,000 cases, was announced in April 2015, after random sample testing by Michigan inspectors found the presence of listeria. No illnesses were reported in connection with that recall either.
Listerosis is a foodborne illness that can cause serious health consequences and death, especially for children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. The infection is considered by the FDA as one of the more dangerous foodborne illnesses and frequently results in hospitalizations and carries a 25% fatality rate.
Symptoms of listeria infections may include nausea, muscle ache, diarrhea, fever, and fatigue. In severe cases for the elderly and young children, the bacteria could spread through the bloodstream to the nervous system resulting in sometimes fatal infections. For pregnant women, listerosis can pose a risk of miscarriages, still births, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
Customers with recalled hummus products are being asked to discard them or to visit the manufacturer online at www.sabrahummusrecall.com for a reimbursement. Customers with further questions regarding the recall may contact Sabra Consumer Relations at 1-866-265-6761.