If you recently picked up some fresh microgreens at the grocery store, you may want to check the “best by” date closely. A microgreens producer in Canada recently issued a recall on produce possibly carrying potentially lethal bacteria.
Greenbelt, the company producing the microgreens, put out the warning soon after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) adjusted some of their product’s best by dates. A significant amount of the microgreens currently on the market in grocery stores may have sold with faulty dates placed on them, increasing the chance that consumers could eat them and fall ill, potentially lethally.
The microgreens could contain Listeria, a bacterial infection that can kill people if they do not receive proper, timely treatment. Listeria is not hampered by cool temperatures, and can continue to grow even when stored in a refrigerator.
In the event that you purchased and consumed Greenbelt microgreens, you should monitor yourself for any signs of illness, as the bacteria may not manifest any symptoms for up to 70 days. If you do suffer ill effects from recalled greens or other faulty produce, you should carefully consider the legal options you have to compensate you for your losses and suffering.
Listeria is a serious threat
While not as deadly as many other bacterial infections, Listeria is potentially lethal, especially to young children. It is also common for Listeria to produce complications in pregnant mothers, including miscarriages.
Elderly people and those with compromised immune systems are also in danger of losing their lives if they develop an infection from Listeria.
In many cases, healthy adults do not die from a Listeria infection, but they may suffer many serious symptoms, including
- Severe headaches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Severe abdominal pain
- Stiff joints and muscles
- High fever
If you experience these symptoms and believe that consuming tainted produce lead to the infection, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Who pays for the medical bills?
Food poisoning is a serious medical matter that requires direct and sometimes costly medical attention. If you contract food poisoning from a product, you may have grounds to pursue the producer of the that produce to cover your medical costs and compensate you for your suffering. Be sure to consider all the legal tools and opportunities that you have to keep your rights and privileges secure.
