Listeria monocytogenes are foodborne bacteria commonly found in raw milk, soil, leafy vegetables and food processing environments. The bacteria enter the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans, through the eating of contaminated food. They multiply inside the intestines and spread to other tissues and organs, causing listeriosis. Symptoms of listeriosis in adults include a sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, backache and occasionally abdominal pain and diarrhea. In pregnant women, listeriosis can cause miscarriage and stillbirth.
Newborns can contract listeriosis from an infected mother before or during birth.
Newborn symptoms include respiratory distress, vomiting and refusal to drink. The illness can produce complications like septicemia, meningitis, and meningo-encephalitis. It is potentially fatal. Consumers should discard or return any purchased products to the place of purchase.