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Huge recall of hummus in US over fears of contamination
About 30,000 cases of hummus manufactured by Sabra, which is co-owned by Israel's Strauss Group, recalled because of potential bacterial impurity.
About 30,000 cases of Sabra hummus sold nationwide is being recalled due to a possible Listeria contamination.
Listeria is a food-borne illness that can cause high fevers and nausea in minor cases, but the infections can be fatal to people with weakened immune systems and young children, along with causing miscarriages in pregnant women. The Sabra Dipping Co. is a joint venture of PepsiCo and Strauss Group - an Israeli food manufacturer.
Sabra's logo in the United States
Sabra was founded in 1986, and in August 2005 Strauss purchased 51 percent of the company. In March 2008, Strauss announced that it had entered a partnership with PepsiCo, and the two companies now each own half of Sabra. Sabra sells 59 percent of hummus in the United States.
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can be found in food, often as a result of contamination by infected animals or sewage. It is considered relatively resistant and is able to thrive in refrigerators, as well as salted or smoked food. It is therefore most commonly caught by eating food that has not been sufficiently cooked.
About one third of people carry the bacteria, which usually does not affect healthy individuals. People compromised immune systems, infants, and pregnant women are at increased risk. Listeria can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, it enters the bloodstream and damages organs, potentially causing serious infections. Pregnant women can be in serious danger, as listeria could cause miscarriages or premature births.
When infection is diagnosed in its early stages, it can be treated with antibiotics.
