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Newsweek

Mac & Cheese Recall Update as FDA Issues Risk Warning

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A recall of a macaroni and cheese snack due to possible contamination has been issued the second-highest risk classification by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Louisa Food Products, Inc., based in Saint Louis, Missouri, initiated a voluntary recall on July 17 for a select lot of its Breaded Jalapeno Mac & Cheese Bites after a supplier recalled an ingredient that was potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The FDA later issued a Class II risk classification for the recall on August 6. Newsweek contacted Louisa Food Products, Inc. for comment via its website outside of regular working hours. Why It Matters A Class II risk classification (one of three) refers to a situation in which the "use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote," according to the FDA. Listeria infection, or listeriosis, may lead to a range of symptoms in infected individuals. For those experiencing less severe infections, symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which often last between one and three days, the FDA said. For more severe and potentially life-threatening infections, symptoms may include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Severe infections are particularly dangerous for young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. It can also lead to miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women. What To Know The product affected by the recall is the company's "Breaded Jalapeno Mac & Cheese Bites." According to the FDA, 819 cases are being recalled with the item number 90935 and lot code 2407092. The product was distributed to retail locations in Delaware and Illinois. No illnesses have been reported so far in connection with the consumption of the recalled product. Stock image. Louisa Food Products, Inc. initiated a voluntary recall on July 17 for a select lot of its Breaded Jalapeno Mac & Cheese Bites due to potential listeria contamination. Stock image. Louisa Food Products, Inc. initiated a voluntary recall on July 17 for a select lot of its Breaded Jalapeno Mac & Cheese Bites due to potential listeria contamination. Matthew Mead/AP What People Are Saying Mary O'Riordan, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School, previously told Newsweek: "Listeria has an unusual capacity to grow at refrigerated temperatures. Although the bacterium can contaminate many types of food, cheeses or deli meats that are kept in cold storage for long periods in stores or at home are a place where listeria can keep growing. "Early symptoms of listeria infection look similar to other common foodborne infections, including fever, diarrhea and vomiting, so it's often not diagnosed right away. Unfortunately, sometimes listeria can spread into the brain and cause more serious illness, like meningitis. In those cases, if people experience headache, stiff neck or confusion, they should seek urgent medical attention." Haley F. Oliver, a professor of food science at Purdue University, previously told Newsweek: "Listeria monocytogenes is a common microorganism that can be found in the natural environment, for example in soil. There are many factors that determine if someone gets listeriosis—a listeria infection. In most instances, an immunocompromised person—so young, old, pregnant or otherwise immunocompromised—must eat contaminated food. The number of bacteria resulting in infection and the amount of time before illness varies considerably. Symptoms vary among people but can include fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, stiff neck, confusion and loss of balance." The FDA says on its website: "Pregnant women and their unborn or newborn baby, adults over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems, are all considered to be high-risk groups that are susceptible to the serious and adverse effects of listeriosis." What Happens Next? The recall is listed as ongoing, according to the FDA. Consumers who purchased the product should not consume it.