Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada correspondent Rob Mancini writes:
I hate hummus.
My wife loves it.
Concerns with potential Listeria contamination and food are on-going due to the ubiquitous nature of this pathogen. In Nov. 2016, there was a significant recall of hummus due to potential Listeria concerns with certain Sabra brand hummus products in both Canada and the US. Food producers, manufacturers, retail and foodservice operations are in a constant battle to control this problem and continually seeking new innovative products/solutions for its’ control.
A study published in 2006 found that a combination of citric acid, nisin, and proper hygienic practices served as an effective means to minimize growth of the pathogen in hummus. It may also be a good idea to take into consideration where the ingredients were sourced and ensuring that your facility are following and adhering to good GMP’s.
Either way, still hate the stuff.
Lantana Foods, the company that supplied the hummus, notified Harris Teeter of the possible contamination, and the grocer promptly removed it from its cases.
Affected products include Fresh Foods Market Artisan Hummus Pine Nuts with UPC 7203602705.
Harris Teeter is using transaction data to notify shoppers who may have purchased the hummus, according to a press release on the company’s website.
If you purchased any hummus affected by the recall you should discard it immediately or return it to Harris Teeter for a full refund.
Listeriosis is a severe infection caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The disease typically affects children, the elderly, and adults with weakened immune systems.
To date, no listeria infections have been associated with the Harris Teeter hummus recall.
Al-Holy, M, Al-Qadiri,H, Lin, M, and Rasco, B. Inhibition of Listeria innocua in Hummus by a Combination of Nisin and Citric Acid. Journal of Food Protection, Vol. 69, No. 6, 2006, Pages 1322–1327