13 May 2023: Listeria virus has been found in Cadbury Chocolates for sale in the UK ! What is listeria and how is it dangerous ? Read to know more.
There has been a withdrawal of thousands of Cadbury Chocolate goods due to Listeria contamination, a pathogen transmitted through food that is unsafe for consumption by pregnant women and people over the age of 65.
Up to six Cadbury Chocolates desserts have allegedly been affected by listeria. Customers who have already purchased the allegedly infected chocolates have been advised not to consume them. They have asked to return the chocolates and thereby get a full refund.
UK's Food Standard Association (FSA) issued a warning on several Cadbury goods, including Crunchie, Daim, Flake, Dairy Milk Buttons, and Dairy Milk Chunks 75g chocolate desserts.
What is the Listeria virus?
Listeria monocytogenes is the name of the virus that causes fatal infections called listeriosis.
Listeria is not safe for pregnant women or people over the age of 65 to consume since it might produce flu-like symptoms.
It is named after Joseph Lister, a surgeon and the father of antiseptic surgery.
What are its symptoms ?
The most common symptoms which are likely to last for 1-3 days are as follows:
- muscle aches
- fever
- flu-like symptoms
- nausea
- Diarrhea
For many people the infection goes unnoticed. But for some the infection might spread to the nervous system where the symptoms include:
- headache
- stiff neck
- tremors and convulsions
- loss of balance
In those who are prone to diseases, listeriosis can cause meningitis, a swelling of the membranes covering the brain, or septicemia, a dangerous blood infection.
In an official statement UK’s Food Standard Association (FSA) said , “Muller has taken the precautionary step of recalling some batches of various Cadbury branded dessert products because of the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.”
