Listeria

Listeriosis caused by Listeria monocytogenes that is a ubiquitous bacterium, widely distributed in many natural and man-made environments where it can survive for long periods of time (USFDA, 2001). Listeriosis is a serious and potentially fatal foodborne disease, which mainly affects the persons who have underlying illness or are immunocompromised, the elderly and pregnant women. An increasing trend of reported Listeriosis was observed in recent two years (CHP, 2013). Listeria monocytogenes is

Listeriosis is a serious infection that result from food contamination with the bacterium L. monocyogenes. It I known to be in fact, “one of the most deadly bacterial infections currently known- with a mean mortality rate in humans of 20 to 30% or higher despite early antibiotic treatment” 11. Besides the transmission of foodborne, it can also be transmitted from mother to fetus or human-to human physical interaction. A mother can consume contaminated food or liquid such as milk during pregnancy

The Maple leaf foods listeria outbreak resulted 22 deaths and a widespread recall of luncheon meat, Sandwiches and deli platters, more than  220 packages of produce and a 20$ million dollar settlement for the company as well as consumer confidence in the produce was jolted. The Outbreak was caused by two meat slicing machine’s that were contaminated with Listeriosis and not cleaned properly. This result in an outbreak that started in June 2008 where an increase in Ontario of Listeriosis cases climbed

Introduction: Listeria Monovytogenes is a soil opptunistic bacterium that at same time is a food borne pathogen. Though its existence in nature can be as high as 20% in soil-plant sample, the infection occurs in healthy population is rare. However, to population that have immature or compromised immune systems, it is a dangerous pathogen; its infection has a mortality rate as high as 30%. The first record of L. Monovytogenes discovery was in 1926, when Department of Pathology of the University of

the effects of BPA is ongoing, but many individual countries have restricted its use, particularly in packaging of foods and beverages intended for consumption by young children. Listeria Outbreaks There have been several food recalls related to Listeria monocytogenes in the United States this year. As CNN explains, Listeria is a bacterium that can be found in raw meats, produce, and unpasteurized dairy products. It is resistant to moderate heat and cold, so it can survive in a refrigerator. The symptoms

establishment was involved in a product recall linked to listeria. The organization ordered a partial recall on selected items. After further testing, it was recommended to withdraw all the goods from the retail shelves. The Creamery stopped production and distribution of all their frozen treats. As a result, 8 million gallons of ice cream was destroyed, several individuals died, and others seek medical attention. Blue Bell is investigating what caused the listeria outbreak. This report will help Blue Bell save

Public Relations Case Study: Blue Bell’s Listeria Outbreak Blue Bell, America’s third largest ice cream company, was founded in Brenham, TX in 1907. Originally a butter manufacturer, Blue Bell decided to end the days of selling butter after increased sales of ice cream proved where the consumer demand existed – in ice cream. (Hem, 2006) After years of providing successful service and products to the consumer, tragedy struck. The Issue On a Monday morning, Blue Bell’s team made the decision to alert

the bacterium Listeria. A day later, Maple Leaf upgraded a precautionary recall of 23 of its products in previous week to all 220 packaged meats from the plant at the Bartor’s Road, which has been shut down. The company has estimated the recall will directly cost it at least $20 million, with further costs expected due to lost sales and reputation damage. Since the outbreak of Listeria bacterium, 22 people died and there were 57 total confirmed cases of illness caused by Listeria 1. Although the

Listeriosis is a life threatening infection which is caused by eating food that has been contaminated with the bacteria “Listeria monocytogenes”. This bacterium is most commonly found in dirt, water, and plants. The people that are most likely to contract this infection are high risk populations; such as elderly people, pregnant women, young children, and people with compromised immune systems. It is estimated that 1,600 people become infected with listeriosis every year, and about 260 people die

the immune impaired, Listeria is ubiquitous so it exists almost everywhere, but pathogenicity was most likely acquired when both Bifidobacterium bifidum and Listeria was in animal or human feces. After entering a phagosome Listeria uses ActA to polymerize host cell actin which enables it to move within and between cells. Since Bifidobacterium bifidum and Listeria both exist in high concentrations in feces, they most likely exist close together; thus is is probable that Listeria propelled itself into