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Urgent Recall: Listeria Fears Prompt Public Health Alert for Chicken & Bacon Ranch Wraps - Don't Eat If You See These!

New York Post

Urgent Food Safety Warning: Australian health authorities have issued a public health alert concerning a range of ready-to-eat chicken and bacon ranch wraps. The alert stems from concerns about potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination, a serious bacteria that can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations.

What's Affected? The alert specifically targets certain wraps sold in supermarkets and convenience stores across Australia. While the exact brands and retailers impacted are being actively investigated, consumers are advised to exercise extreme caution and check product labels carefully. Authorities are working diligently to pinpoint the source of the contamination and identify all affected products.

Why is Listeria a Concern? Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness. Symptoms typically appear within a few days of consuming contaminated food and can include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In severe cases, particularly for pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, listeriosis can lead to serious complications, including sepsis, meningitis, and even death.

Who is at Risk? As mentioned, certain groups are more susceptible to severe illness from listeriosis. These include:

• Pregnant women: Listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labour, or infection of the newborn.
• Newborns: Babies can contract listeriosis from their mothers during pregnancy or after birth.
• Elderly individuals: Older adults are more likely to experience severe complications.
• People with weakened immune systems: This includes individuals undergoing chemotherapy, taking immunosuppressant medications, or living with conditions like HIV/AIDS.

What Should You Do?

• Check Your Fridge: Thoroughly inspect your refrigerator for any chicken and bacon ranch wraps.
• Read Labels Carefully: Pay close attention to product labels, best-before dates, and any recall information.
• When in Doubt, Throw it Out: If you are unsure whether a wrap is affected, it is best to discard it. Do not consume it.
• Proper Cleaning: Thoroughly clean and disinfect any surfaces that may have come into contact with the wraps.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on official health authority websites (listed below) for updates and further information.

Where to Get More Information:

• Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ): https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/
• Your State or Territory Health Department: Search online for your local health department's website.

Stay safe and be vigilant about food safety!