Aldi recalls salami with Listeria bacteria

Aldi deliverer recalls salami with Listeria bacteria

11.08.2011

A supplier of supermarket chain ALDI-Süd has initiated a recall for a salami strain. In the food dangerous listeria germs were detected in tests. The bacteria are especially dangerous for people with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, toddlers, infants and the elderly. Listeria can lead to the infectious disease listeriosis.

Samples of the sausage contained bacteria
The supplier of the Aldi chain Süd Schepers & Comp has recalled a salami from the trade. Affected is the food product „Salame Magretta & Salame Spianata“. In individual samples bacteria of the genus Listeria were found. The recall of the food producer concerns the batches with the best before dates 18 August 2011, 25 August 2011 and 1 September 2011. Anyone who has already bought the sausage should not consume it. Even without presentation of a receipt, the products can be returned to the discout markets of Aldi-Süd. The purchase price is refunded without hesitation, as the company announced.

Listeria can cause serious illnesses in humans. The germs cause repeated contamination of food. Fresh meat products, sausages and cheese were particularly affected in the past. The contamination usually takes place in the factories themselves. If food is contaminated with the bacteria, it can not be recognized by its appearance or odor. Only a laboratory test can give information about germs contained. Particularly at risk are consumers whose physical defense is not fully developed (babies and toddlers) and people who are chronically ill. According to the latest findings, pregnant women have a 12-fold higher risk of developing listeriosis.

Listeria can trigger listeriosis
The course of the disease is similar to a seasonal flu. First, patients suffer from diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain. In the further course, headache, paralysis and dizziness may be added. In unfavorable constellations, an infection can also lead to death. A major problem is the timely diagnosis. Weeks and months can pass between an infection and the onset of the disease. Hardly any patient can then derive a connection between food and illness. Anyone who suffers from described symptoms should therefore consult a doctor immediately and insist on a bacteriological examination. With the administration of antibiotics, the infection can be treated well. Listeria are extremely undemanding and can tolerate cold well. Therefore, the germs survive well in packaged food very well. Frequently, the bacteria multiply in spite of bad conditions. (Sb)

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Picture: Peter von Bechen