News reports have been relentless in their covering of the latest hummus recall campaign nationwide. The main issue associated with the products is that a potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination could prompt a number of consumers to fall ill.

The official recall announcement issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration indicates that Sabra Dipping Co., LLC decided to announce the recall promptly after the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development tested a sample of the product. Since it came positive for Listeria, the recall was deemed necessary.

Products under five specific SKU numbers were impacted by the recall, but the products were sold nationwide. No other Sabra products were impacted by the recall.

Healthy consumers who may be exposed to Listeria may suffer mild to medium symptoms that may not last long. They include high fever, stiffness, severe headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Pregnant women, however, may suffer miscarriages or stillbirths.

Listeria contamination could be potentially serious to consumers with weak immune systems. The elderly and young children are often the most vulnerable groups.

While no reports of illnesses associated with the recalled products have surfaced recently, impacted items were distributed to retail outlets nationwide. Grocery stores and food service accounts received the items. Consumers worried they may have the recalled items in their possession may follow this link to read the full report. The announcement has a list with all all SKU numbers impacted by the recall.

Consumers with the recalled products are being urged to dispose of the items or have them returned to the place of purchase immediately.

Random tests help companies to find out about contamination occurrences, but according to safety advocates, more must be done to avoid future contamination incidents. Too often, the problem can be traced back to a failure to keep up with important sanitary procedures. Companies should make sure they observe all federal regulations and standards so they won’t fail to meet important standards that could save their lives.

The Food and Drug Administration often reports on food recalls that are launched nationwide. Staying on top of these reports could help you to avoid health-related incidents that could even lead to serious consequences.

Recently, a major spinach recall was issued nationwide as well. Several brands of fresh, organic spinach products were impacted. Learning about food recalls that impact you and responding to them could save your life and the lives of your loved ones.