Introduction to the Recall
M.C.I. Foods Inc. has recalled over 90,000 pounds of its ready-to-eat breakfast burritos and wraps because of a potential listeria contamination in the products’ eggs. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall on Saturday after M.C.I. Foods notified the FSIS of a positive listeria contamination after conducting a routine test from its external suppliers.
Affected Products and Distribution
The recalled burritos and wraps were produced between Sept. 17 and Oct. 14 and were shipped to food service institutions across the country, including schools. The products included in the recall are part of the USDA’s National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, under the brands Los Cabos, El Más Fino, and Midamar.
List of Affected Foods
The following products are affected by the recall:
- El Mas Fino’s Egg, Ham, and Cheese Breakfast Burrito (Lot Code: 80903)
- El Mas Fino’s Egg, Sausage, and Cheese Breakfast Burrito (Lot Code: 80897)
- Los Cabos’ Egg, Cheese, Potato & Cooked Sausage Crumbles (Made with Turkey) Breakfast Wrap (Lot Code: 80900)
- Los Cabos’ Egg, Cheese & Cooked Sausage Crumbles (Made with Turkey) Breakfast Wrap (Lot Code: 80872; 80876; 80881)
- Los Cabos’ Cheese, Cooked Sausage Crumbles (Made with Turkey) & Egg Breakfast Wrap (Lot Code: 80892; 80898; 80931)
- Midamar’s Egg, Cheese & Beef with Sausage Seasoning Breakfast Wrap (Lot Code: 80972; 80977)
Risks Associated with Listeria Contamination
No illnesses had been reported as of Saturday. However, the consumption of food contaminated with listeria can cause listeriosis, an infection that is “serious and sometimes fatal” for older adults and people with weakened immune systems, according to the FSIS. Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
Prevalence of Listeria Infection
Listeria infection is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States, with an estimated 1,250 people infected each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Conclusion
The recall of over 90,000 pounds of ready-to-eat breakfast burritos and wraps due to potential listeria contamination highlights the importance of food safety and the need for vigilant testing and inspection of food products. Consumers, especially those in vulnerable groups such as older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women, should be aware of the risks associated with listeria contamination and take necessary precautions to avoid consuming contaminated food.
FAQs
Q: What products are affected by the recall?
A: The recall affects ready-to-eat breakfast burritos and wraps produced by M.C.I. Foods Inc. under the brands Los Cabos, El Más Fino, and Midamar, specifically those with lot codes 80903, 80897, 80900, 80872, 80876, 80881, 80892, 80898, 80931, 80972, and 80977.
Q: What are the symptoms of listeriosis?
A: Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Q: Who is most at risk from listeria contamination?
A: Older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women are most at risk from listeria contamination, as they are more susceptible to severe illness.
Q: How many people are affected by listeria infection each year?
A: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1,250 people are infected with listeria each year in the United States.
