In the wake of a multistate Listeria outbreak linked to cantaloupes grown in the Rocky Ford region of Colorado, national food safety law firm Marler Clark is reminding the public of the importance of knowledge when it comes to preventing foodborne illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 15 Listeria cases including 1 death in Colorado (10 ill, 1 death), Texas (2), Nebraska, and Oklahoma linked to the consumption of contaminated cantaloupe. In New Mexico, health officials confirmed nine cases of Listeria that may be linked to cantaloupe, including 3 deaths.
“People want to know what they are dealing with when a foodborne illness threatens their family or community,” said Marler Clark attorney and food safety expert William Marler. “Our team has established an array of free information pertaining to Listeria and other foodborne illnesses which users can arm themselves with in outbreak situations.”
- www.about-listeria.com is a one-stop site offering in depth information on Listeria risks, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, history, sources, and more. A one-page downloadable Listeria fact sheet is available on the site.
- For breaking news, the firm’s attorneys operate www.foodpoisonjournal.com, a responsive blog which is updated frequently with the most up to date news on foodborne illness.
- Marler Clark also publishes www.FoodSafetyNews.com, with original reporting on all food issues, including news on this latest Listeria outbreak.
LISTERIA CONTAMINATION: Fruits and vegetables can become contaminated with Listeria from soil, water, fertilizers, or from animals passing through a field. Cantaloupe is especially prone to contamination due to the fact that it is grown on the ground and its skin is porous, thereby allowing easier entrance for microorganisms. Listeria grows well at refrigerated temperatures, so while most of our food is safer in a cool environment, refrigerated, ready-to-eat foods carry an increased risk for Listeria. See this YouTube video explaining more about Listeria contamination and listeriosis.