After a Listeria outbreak that killed two people and sickened three others, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning consumers not to eat products produced by Chicago-based Wholesome Soy Inc. These products include: bean sprouts, soft tofu, firm tofu, fried tofu, fried tofu pouches, white tofu, triangular tofu, soybean noodles, and soy milk.
The company has not issued a public recall, instead telling investigators from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that it plans to contact its customers by telephone. Consumers who have purchased these products should not eat them as they risk serious, life-threatening illness if they do.
Consumers who have already eaten some of these products should take a photo of the packaging, dispose of the product following the directions below and monitor themselves for symptoms which can take up tot 70 days after exposure to develop. They include include: fever, stiff neck, headache, muscle aches, loss of balance and confusion. These symptoms are sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Listeria poses a special risk for children, seniors, pregnant women and others with compromised immune systems. Among pregnant women, listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery and birth defects.
It is important to dispose of products contaminated with Listeria very carefully. Put the product in a plastic bag and seal the bag. Put it in a sealed trash can to prevent people and animals from eating the products. Wash the inside walls and shelves of the refrigerator, cutting boards, and countertops; then sanitize these items with a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to one gallon of hot water, then dry the surfaces with clean paper towels.
