Prepared food manufacturer Lansal, Inc. announced on May 19 that it is voluntarily recalling 14,860 pounds of hummus and dip products due to a concern about the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly, and others with weakened immune systems, according to a Food and Drug Administration press release.

The companies affected by the recall include Target, Trader Joe’s, Giant Eagle, and Tryst. For Target, the affected area includes the whole United States. Trader Joe’s, Giant Eagle, and Tryst affected locations are limited specific regions of the country. To see if your state if affected, refer to the original press release here.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, listeriosis, the name for the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, affects primarily “older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems.” The symptoms include fever, muscle aches, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Listeriosis is an “invasive” infection, where the bacteria spread beyond the gastrointestinal tract.

Other symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches. It presents in different ways, the two most common being septicemia and meningitis.

The potential for infection within the hummus and dip products occurred during a routine test of Target Archer Farms Traditional Hummus (10 ounce) by the Texas Department of Health. No illness has been thus far reported.

In a separate FDA press release that involves listeriosis, St. Louis-based Sherman Produce is voluntarily recalling 241 cases of bulk walnuts packaged in 25-pound bulk cardboard boxes and Schnucks brand 10 ounce trays, because the products are potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

These products were sold to retailers in Missouri and Illinois from March through May 2014. Consumers, according to the release, are advised not to consume the walnuts and to either dispose of them or return them to the retailer for a full refund. No illnesses have been reported to date.

Image via Wikimedia Commons