Lidl warns about Listeria contaminated cheese

In two cheeses available for sale, high concentrations of Listeria were found in individual samples. The food retailer "Lidl" warns against consumption and withdraws two cheeses from the market

The supermarket chain "Lidl" pulls two cheeses from the sale. As the supermarket chain reported, high levels of Listeria were detected in individual samples tested. The bacteria Listeria cause the infectious disease listeriosis. The bacteria Listeria are almost everywhere. Listeria are considered as dirt germs and are particularly found in sewage, soil and contaminated water, food and feed. Since the bacteria Listeria are more likely to be considered as earthy or decaying germs, the disease is also called „Geonose“ or „Sapronose“ designated. Listeria can cause serious infectious diseases in humans, called listeriosis. The bacteria are found mainly in milk or meat products that have not been properly treated for health reasons.

In addition to the two cheeses (according to Lidl cheese products from the Austrian company Prolactal) and the farm hand cheese with noble mold (Reinhardshof) was recalled as a precaution. The recall campaign affects all Lidl supermarkets in the Federal Republic of Germany. If consumers have already bought the recalled cheeses, the purchase price can be refunded upon presentation of a receipt, the company said.

Cheese that is contaminated with listeria can not be recognized by its appearance, smell or taste. Only a test in the laboratory provides information about whether the cheese is contaminated. Particularly at risk in this context are people who have a poor physical defense. In addition, pregnant women are about 12 times more likely to develop listeriosis.

The disease is similar to flu. First, suffer from diarrhea and severe abdominal pain. As you progress, you may experience fever, severe headache, paralysis, and dizziness. In some cases, listeriosis can also lead to death.

One of the biggest problems with diagnosis and treatment is the late detection of the disease. Between infection and outbreak can be up to two months. Therefore, patients should always take symptoms seriously and go to the doctor. A bacteriological examination can confirm the diagnosis and prove if listeriosis is present. With the medical award of antibiotics, a disease can be treated.

Prevention helps to reduce the risk of infection
How dangerous a listeriosis disease can be, a case in Canada showed. In the summer of 2008, 12 people had died due to consumption of Listeria-contaminated meat products. Prevention is still the safest prophylaxis against foodborne infections. Meat and vegetables should always be heated sufficiently to destroy germs and bacteria. Vegetables should be washed carefully and kept separate from raw meat. Hands should always be thoroughly washed after contact with raw meat or vegetables. Especially pregnant women, the elderly and patients with a weakened immune system should avoid raw meat, raw fish, raw milk products. (sb, 23.01.2010)