"The Source Of Listeria Contamination Of Cantaloupe-A Biochemist UPDATES It All" By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

courtesy   www.foodpoisoning.pritzkerlaw.com/archives/cat-listeria.html

Dear Ones:

     By now, you've probably had it 'up to HERE' with reports of tainted/contaminated foodstuffs.

     And I don't blame you if your eyes 'glaze over' with ennui as the 'lot of us' involved in gathering, analyzing and disseminating information drone on and on about the minutiae of various FDA Recalls...and what's being done to 'preserve the public's health'.

     But once in a while, the epidemiology 'shakes out' just beautifully and a coherent explanation exists for the situation under discussion.

     Such is the case with the Listeria monocytogenes contamination of cut and whole cantaloupe in the United States which has killed and which has sickened so many more.

     You will remember, from my previous article, that this is the very first time that Listeria-contaminated cantaloupe has been linked to food-borne illness in humans.

LINK: www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2011/10/cantaloupe-listeria-contamination.html 
     Also you will recall that cantaloupe from Jensen Farms was distributed to the following states (and to no foreign countries that anyone is aware of):  

"FDA has verified that the following states received recalled cantaloupes directly from Jensen Farms: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. There is no indication of foreign distribution."

LINK: www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm272372.htm#records

     Thus, what follows is a rare case of expert scientific study culminating in concrete evidence and conclusions which the public--meaning ALL of us--can use in a very real way to protect and preserve the lives and health status of ourselves and our loved ones.

     So here goes...

     On October 21, 2011, the FDA published a detailed report entitled, 

"Environmental Assessment: Factors Potentially Contributing to the Contamination of Fresh Whole Cantaloupe Implicated in a Multi-State Outbreak of Listeriosis" which you can read at your leisure, for I will encapsulate the pertinent findings in it here, for you:

 LINK:  www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodborneIllness/ucm276247.htm

     Here are the basic findings of this FDA report:

1)  The positive 'swab cultures' collected at Jensen Farms DID match the types of Listeria found in the patients who were affected by this pathogen:

"Of the 39 environmental swabs collected from within the facility, 13 were confirmed positive for Listeria monocytogenes with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern combinations that were indistinguishable from three of the four outbreak strains collected from affected patients. "

LINK: www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm272372.htm

2)  Swab cultures positive for the Listeria in question was found all over the Jensen Farms operation: 

FDA Environmental Swabs Positive Results:

Processing Line	9 positive samples from the grading belt Swabs 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30 & 33
	2 positive samples from the conveyor Swabs 20 & 28
	1 positive sample from the felt rollers Swab 13
Packing Area	1 positive sample from the conveyor belt Swab 34

FDA Product Sample Results
1 Cantaloupe Sample collected from cold storage
5 subs tested positive
(10 whole cantaloupes or “Subs”)
LINK:  www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm272372.htm#records
3)  The FDA has deduced how this Listeria outbreak at/from Jensen Farms originated:
"FDA identified the following factors as those that most likely contributed to the introduction, spread, and growth of Listeria monocytogenes in the cantaloupes:Introduction:

• There could have been low level sporadic Listeria monocytogenes in the field where the cantaloupe were grown, which could have been introduced into the packing facility
• A truck used to haul culled cantaloupe to a cattle operation was parked adjacent to the packing facility and could have introduced contamination into the facility

Spread:

• The packing facility’s design allowed water to pool on the floor near equipment and employee walkways
• The packing facility floor was constructed in a manner that made it difficult to clean
• The packing equipment was not easily cleaned and sanitized; washing and drying equipment used for cantaloupe packing was previously used for postharvest handling of another raw agricultural commodity

Growth:

• There was no pre-cooling step to remove field heat from the cantaloupes before cold storage. As the cantaloupes cooled there may have been condensation that promoted the growth of Listeria monocytogenes" 

LINK:  www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm272372.htm#records

4)  The FDA once again emphasizes:

"FDA’s findings regarding this particular outbreak highlight the importance for firms to employ good agricultural and management practices in their packing facilities as well as in growing fields. FDA recommends that firms employ good agricultural and management practices recommended for the growing, harvesting, washing, sorting, packing, storage and transporting of fruits and vegetables sold to consumers in an unprocessed or minimally processed raw form."

LINK: www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm272372.htm#records 

5)  Considering the two-week shelf-life of cantaloupe, the FDA believes that ALL of the affected cantaloupe has been removed from the marketplace by Jensen Farm's voluntary recall of Sept. 14, 2011

LINK: www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm272372.htm#records

6)  The final FDA consumer information is as follows:

"Listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures, about 40^◦ Fahrenheit (4^◦ Celsius). The longer ready-to-eat refrigerated foods are stored in the refrigerator, the more opportunity Listeria has to grow.
It is very important that consumers clean their refrigerators and other food preparation surfaces. Consumers should follow these simple steps:

• Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
• Wash the inside walls and shelves of the refrigerator, cutting boards and countertops; then sanitize them with a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to one gallon of hot water; dry with a clean cloth or paper towel that has not been previously used.
• Wipe up spills in the refrigerator immediately and clean the refrigerator regularly.

Always wash hands with warm water and soap following the cleaning and sanitization process 
LINK: www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm272372.htm#records
     So there you have it with this cantaloupe recall which, hopefully, will be ending shortly, although the FDA still considers this to be an open investigation.
     A warning letter has been sent to Jensen Farms 
LINK:  www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm276249.htm
and we have every expectation that things will be 'cleaned up'--literally--poste haste.
     But consider that this outbreak has been acknowledged to be the deadliest foodborne outbreak in the United States in more than 25 years.  There have been 123 cases and 26 deaths (which includes one miscarriage) reported to the CDC from 26 states.
LINK: www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/cantaloupes-jensen-farms/index.html
     And there are yet others who are pregnant and got ill and who are still being monitored.
     Therefore, we must not 'just hope'...but follow-up diligently and remain vigilante, so that no further food-borne illnesses occur due to Listeria contamination in cantaloupe or any other food.
LINK: www.fda.gov/downloads/NewsEvents/Newsroom/MediaTranscripts/UCM277070.pdf 
God Bless You 
Rev. Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

"Cantaloupe Listeria Contamination Problem Expands: A Biochemist Explains It All" By Rev. Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

courtesy www.Marlerblog.com

Dear Ones:
     Per the CDC, we are two and a half months into the latest Listeria outbreak in our food supply.
     This situation is significant because IT IS THE FIRST TIME CANTALOUPE HAS EVER BEEN IMPLICATED in a Listeria outbreak.
     All illnesses related to this event started 'on or after July 31, 2011'.
LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/index.html
     But this 'time frame' is somewhat amorphous, considering the 'lag period' between ingestion of contaminated melon and the development of...and reporting of...cases of listeriosis.  It may well be that the offending organisms have been at work infecting our cantaloupe supply for OVER FOUR and a half months, instead.
     Because it can take up to 2 MONTHS for listeriosis to develop after food contaminated with Listeria is consumed, you must understand that this FDA Recall is ONGOING.

LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/treatment.html
     The initial recall was for 'Jensen Farms' cantaloupes:
     "On September 14, 2011, FDA issued a press release to announce that Jensen Farms issued a voluntary recall of its Rocky Ford-brand cantaloupes after being linked to a multistate outbreak of listeriosis.
LINK: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm271899.htm
     However, the FDA and CDC pointed out that not all of the 'Jensen Farms' cantaloupe was readily 'identifiable' as it was distributed throughout the nation's food supply chain.
     And sure enough, on October 6. 2011, Fruit Fresh Up, Inc. brand cantaloupe and cut mixed fruit was added to the list of 'brands of cantaloupe' for consumers to AVOID:
"October 6, 2011 - Fruit Fresh Up, Inc. of Depew, New York is recalling approximately 4,800 individual packages of FRESH CUT CANTALOUPE AND CUT MIXED FRUIT CONTAINING CANTALOUPE because they have the potential to be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Fruit Fresh Up, Inc. was not advised of the possible contamination of the cantaloupe it acquired from an independent wholesale vendor until last Thursday, September 27th."
LINK: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm274835.htm
     New Yorkers, especially, will want to AVOID all of the following products by Fruit Fresh Up, Inc:

"The fresh cut fruit subject to this recall was sold between August 31, 2011 and September 11, 2011, and consisted of the following products: Cantaloupe Chunks, Cantaloupe Slices, Gourmet Fruit Salad, Small Fruit Salad, Small and Large Fruit Salad with Pineapple, Fruit Salad with Kiwi, and Fruit Trays."

LINK: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm274835.htm

     And REMEMBER (again) that the 'lag period' between ingestion of Listeria-contaminated produce and the development of signs and symptoms of listeriosis CAN BE AS LONG AS TWO MONTHS (8 weeks).

     So if you ATE any of these Fresh Fruit Up, Inc. products, be sure to see your health care provider IMMEDIATELY if you think you are developing what you believe to be any 'food-related' illness.  Check out the CDC's Listeriosis infection page for detailed information:

LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/

     It is plain to see that we are far from 'identifying' all the Listeria-contaminated cantaloupe that has been distributed to date.
     Indeed, the expert advice-which I cannot EMPHASIZE ENOUGH-is to exercise ALL CAUTION with eating ALL cantaloupe for the time being!:
"CDC recommends that consumers not eat whole or pre-cut Rocky Ford-brand cantaloupe from Jensen Farms. This is especially important for older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women...Even if some of the cantaloupe has been eaten without becoming ill, dispose of the rest of the cantaloupe immediately. Listeria bacteria can grow in the cantaloupe at room and refrigerator temperatures. Cantaloupes that are known to NOT have come from Jensen Farms are safe to eat. If consumers are uncertain about the source of a cantaloupe for purchase, they should ask the grocery store. A cantaloupe purchased from an unknown source should be discarded: "when in doubt, throw it out." 
LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/cantaloupes-jensen-farms/101211/index.html
     Did you get that, my dear Readers?  "WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT".  And Rev. Barb advises that unless you are absolutely certain of a cantaloupe's 'origin', AVOID EATING IT AT ALL FOR THE TIME BEING!

     To date, 25 states are affected by this Listeria-contaminated cantaloupe:
" As of 9am EDT on October 11, 2011, a total of 116 persons infected with any of the four outbreak-associated strains of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported to CDC from 25 states.  The number of infected persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), California (1), Colorado (34), Idaho (1), Illinois (1), Indiana (3), Iowa (1), Kansas (7), Louisiana (2), Maryland (1), Missouri (4), Montana (1), Nebraska (6), New Mexico (13), New York (1), North Dakota (1), Oklahoma (11), Oregon (1), South Dakota (1), Texas (17), Virginia (1), West Virginia (1), Wisconsin (2), and Wyoming (3). "
LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/cantaloupes-jensen-farms/101211/index.html 
     As of October 12, 2011, 23 DEATHS and 1 miscarriage (not included in the deaths stat) have been reported to the CDC:

"Twenty-three deaths have been reported: 5 in Colorado, 1 in Indiana, 2 in Kansas, 2 in Louisiana, 1 in Maryland, 1 in Missouri, 1 in Nebraska, 5 in New Mexico, 1 in New York, 1 in Oklahoma, 2 in Texas, and 1 in Wyoming. In addition, one woman pregnant at the time of illness had a miscarriage." 

LINK:  http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/cantaloupes-jensen-farms/101211/index.html

     For those interested in the more technical aspects of the Listeria contaminated FDA Recall, note the following:

"Listeriosis is caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a gram-positive bacillus common in the environment and acquired by humans primarily through consumption of contaminated food. Infection causes a spectrum of illness, ranging from febrile gastroenteritis to invasive disease, including sepsis and meningoencephalitis. Invasive listeriosis occurs predominantly in older adults and persons with impaired immune systems. Listeriosis in pregnant women is typically a mild "flu-like" illness, but can result in fetal loss, premature labor, or neonatal infection. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics."

LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6039a5.htm?s_cid=mm6039a5_w

     'Febrile gastroenteritis' means fever and tummy ache and intestinal woes.  'Meningoencephalitis' refers to the brain and the membranes around the brain and the spinal cord (the 'meninges' pron men-IN-geez) being infected by the Listeria bacteria.

      It is a common practice and an essential 'tool' to 'subtype' pathogenic bacteria.  This is necessary to determine what bacteria are involved in an outbreak and can be critical to determining the transmission of--and eventually the original SOURCE of--the offending microbe.

     Most importantly, sub-typing allows health care providers to develop and administer an ideal antibiotic regimen for those who become infected.

     We all know by now that pathogens are those microbiological agents which cause disease, the most common of which known to the public are bacteria and viruses.

     In this case, "four widely differing PFGE pattern combinations and two serotypes (1/2a and 1/2b) have been associated with the outbreak strains of Listeria monocytogenes" (pron: list-TEAR-ee-ah mah-no-sye-TAHGE-en-eeze) were isolated from cut and whole cantaloupe samples collected from patients' homes, from grocery stores where Jensen Farms melons were sold and from the Jensen Farm, itself.

LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6039a5.htm?s_cid=mm6039a5_w

     The above report is from the 'Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report' aka the 'MMWR', which is an 'arm' of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

     PFGE is 'Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis' is a technology which allows a biochemist to apply a given sample to a 'gel matrix' wherein the specific components of the sample are 'separated' when a pulsed electric field (from several directions sequentially) is applied to it.

     PFGE is the technology that allows for 'DNA typing', for genetic 'fingerprinting' and for 'genotyping' any number of biological and natural ' moieties and has helped very effectively to distinguish between different Listeria sub-species.

     What happened with this Listeria-contaminated cantaloupe situation is that doctors and local and state health agencies reported cases of listeriosis to the FDA, which started studies of the situation.

     As in the case of infectious diseases, the CDC then became involved, for this Listeria contamination of cantaloupe has not 'gone away'.  Thus began the 'sample collection and analysis' as a collaborative effort between the FDA and the CDC...each doing what they do best.

     And, now, as you see MMWR is 'onboard' reporting on deaths and other 'outcomes' for consumers who have been infected with Listeria.

     So my advice for all of us is to be on guard here.  We are dealing with a yet-evolving and ongoing food-borne illness cluster, which is UNUSUAL and unprecedented in many ways:

"This outbreak has several unusual features. First, this is the first listeriosis outbreak associated with melon. Second, four widely differing PFGE pattern combinations and two serotypes (1/2a and 1/2b) have been associated with the outbreak. Third, this outbreak is unusually large; only two U.S. listeriosis outbreaks, one associated with frankfurters (108 cases) and one with Mexican-style cheese (142), have had more cases (1,2). Additional cases likely will be reported because of the long incubation period (usually 1--3 weeks, range: 3--70 days) and the time needed for diagnosis and confirmation. Fourth, this outbreak has the highest number of deaths of any U.S. foodborne outbreak since a listeriosis outbreak in 1998 (1). "

LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6039a5.htm?s_cid=mm6039a5_w

     I had not written on this outbreak Listeria in cantaloupe previously, thinking (and praying) that the media would have covered it adequately, you'd be informed and it would just run a 'limited course'.

     But Listeria-contamination of cantaloupe is NOT going away and we must be mindful of 'lag periods' in both disease manifestation and in reporting times.

     We also do not know, yet, if food processors are inadvertently contaminating OTHER foodstuffs with Listeria, and if so, what they may be.

     In an ideal situation, manufacturers 'cooperate' in FDA and CDC investigations, but this is not always the case, as I have written about before.

     So my best advice is to be aware of what you eat, AVOID what you should, be aware of your BODY and seek competent professional health care advice from a trusted health care provider at the first indication that something may be wrong.

     Anyone interested in the contamination of chopped Romaine lettuce with Listeria can read about that here:

LINK: http://dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2011/10/listeriosis-lettuce-recall-biochemist.html

May God Bless You & keep you healthy!

Rev. Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

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Questions/Comments:  Here below this article

E-mail: BarbaraKSexton@aol.com

  courtesy www.FoodPoisoningJournal.com

       

"Listeriosis & The Lettuce Recall: A Biochemist Explains It All" By Rev. Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

LINK: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm273968.htm

ABOVE: Front & Back of Recalled chopped Romaine LETTUCE sold by retailers to the public at Unified Grocers, Inc. Cash & Carry Smart Food Service stores in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The product at those outlets was packed in True Leaf Farms cardboard cartons. All bags carry a "use by date" of 9/29/11. This product was labeled as follows:

• 2# bags, chopped romaine- Bag and box code B256-46438-8 

Dear Ones:
     You can read the manufacturer's own recall statement here if you are interested:
LINK: http://www.churchbrothers.com/recall/True%20Leaf%20Farms%20Release.pdf
     I will 'break it down for you'...along with the FDA and CDC information available to us thus far.
      Here is the current, accurate information you need to help protect the health and well-being of yourself and your loved ones.
     Recently, both cantaloupe and now LETTUCE has been recalled due to contamination with the bacteria known as Listeria monocytogenes (pronounced: list-TEAR-ee-ah  mah-no-sye-TAHGE-en-eeze).
    Here is the latest FDA recall list in an easy-to-view format for both the melon and LETTUCE:
LINK: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm
(NOTE:  If any of these FDA/government LINKS do not work directly, just copy and paste them into your browser to access.) 
     As this is being written, no actual illnesses have been reported as being linked to the True Leaf Farm brand LETTUCE found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
LINK:  http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm274075.htm
     BUT, while the original LETTUCE recall was limited to Oregon, Washington and Idaho, per the FDA, now as of Sept 29, 2011, the recall notification is EXPANDED to cover product shipped to 19 states (highlighted below and CANADA):
"September 29, 2011- True Leaf Farms is expanding its voluntary recall of romaine to include 2,498 cartons of chopped or shredded romaine because of the potential of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The initial recalled product was shipped between September 12 and 13 to a retail food service distributor in Oregon who further distributed it to at least two additional states, Washington and Idaho.
At the request of the US Food and Drug Administration the recall notification is expanded to cover additional product shipped to wholesale food service distributors in 19 states and Alberta, Canada. The states include Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Vermont. All the romaine affected by this recall has a "use by date" of 9/29/11.
No illnesses related to this finding have been reported."
      True Lead Farms is 'the processing arm' of Church Brothers, LLC.  They process LETTUCE  under the following brand names under 'Church Brothers':

True Leaf, Red Coach, Jin Ye, Hop Sing & Private Labels.

     Under 'True Leaf', the Church Brothers, LLC sell under the following brand names: True Leaf, Church Brothers, Leaf Tek & Private Labels.
LINK:   http://churchbrothers.com/content/?page_id=851
     Besides chopped Romaine LETTUCE, Church Brothers, LLC also processes and packages: Broccoli, lettuce, Red leaf, Butter, Baby Heads, Spinach, Endive, Escarole, Cauliflower, Celery, Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage, Bok Choy, Nappa Cabbage, Green Onions, Cilantro, Parsley, Italian Parsley, Kale & 'Specialty Items'.
LINK:  http://churchbrothers.com/content/?page_id=128
     A comprehensive  government page for Listeria and listeriosis can be found here:
LINK:  http://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/causes/bacteriaviruses/listeria/index.html
     A general page on Listeria and listeriosis on the CDC website is below:
LINK:  http://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/causes/bacteriaviruses/listeria/
     Please do take the time to read as much of the 'original sources' as you can.  (AGAIN: copy and paste any of the links here if they do not take you to the desired page directly.)
     But for your convenience and edification, these are Rev. Barb's recommendations at the present time regarding this Church Brothers, LLC Listeria romaine LETTUCE contamination:

1)  Absolutely avoid any and all chopped romaine LETTUCE 'processed' by Church Brothers, LLC/True Leaf until the full extent of this contamination is definitively determined.

2)  Check the 'brand names' of all the produce you buy against 'brand name lists' published on the FDA and CDC websites and here ABOVE at www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com/  Check back here regularly for UPDATES on this LETTUCE situation, as well as for articles on the cantaloupe contamination, as well.

3)  Even if your state is not listed above, be aware that not all distributions patterns of this fresh produce have necessarily been determined, let alone revealed to the public.

4)  Although NO ILLNESSES TO DATE have been associated with this chopped Romaine lettuce contaminated with Listeria, maintain a 'high index of suspicion' until the full epidemiological study is completed for this FDA Recall.  Be sure to see your health care provider IMMEDIATELY if you suspect that you may have a food-related illness and/or symptoms of the same.  DO NOT DELAY, especially with the young, the old and with those who are immunocompromised.

5)  Although, to date, only chopped Romaine LETTUCE from Church Brothers, LLC/True Leaf Farms has been determined to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, be aware that their other products MAY also be contaminated.  See the yellow highlighted list of vegetables above. 

6)  Since we, the consumer, does not know exactly what Church Brothers, LLC/True Leaf Farms' 'Specialty Products' are, be wise when you purchase your produce and take care to know determine the source of the food you and your family and friends eat.

7)  Although only RETAIL chopped Romaine LETTUCE is implicated in this Listeria Recall so far, be wary of 'bulk salad and vegetable' points of purchase, such as at 'salad bars' and in restaurants and other food-selling facilities.  Use your COMMON SENSE, but also check online frequently using the LINKS you have been provided with here.

8)  In this day-and-age of questionable food safety, take care to wash and scrub the vegetables and fruits you can (I prefer warm watch and dish detergent followed by a strong water rinse)...And to give a good 'soaking and rinsing' for those that cannot be 'scrubbed'.  Please note that with Listeria, it is possible that the 'inside' can be contaminated, so that even a good scrubbing on the outside will not necessarily assure consumer safety.  Chopped Romaine LETTUCE has it's own particular set of problems sanitation-wise, since it cannot be scrubbed, subjected to too-warm water and it has the further 'detriment' of having been handled more than the intact stalk of Romaine would be.  In addition, the 'chopping process' greatly increases the available surface area for potential bacterial contamination wherever pathogenic bacteria are present.

9) Finally, it is prudent to 'rotate food'.  In other words, try not to eat the same thing day-after-day, even if the food you are eating will be prone to spoiling before you can finish it.  "Greens" nowadays can be every bit as deadly when contaminated as the rawest of meats and other foodstuffs capable of causing food-poisoning.

     Hopefully, this Listeria contamination source will be swiftly identified and dealt with.

     But, until then, stay alert and informed.  If you would like to receive Rev. Barb's FREE NEWSLETTER so that you can receive timely health alerts right in your mailbox, just see the sign-up area below.

God Bless & Keep You & All Of Us

Rev. Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com