FYI: Starbucks just recalled one of their cafe menu items

If you’ve stopped by a Starbucks lately, you might want to take a moment to read this.

On March 3rd and 4th, 250 Starbucks locations sold breakfast sandwiches that may be contaminated with  Listeria monocytogenes. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, this is a type of bacteria that can cause a high fever, nausea, stiffness, severe headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in healthy individuals. On the other hand, it can produce fatal infections when affecting the elderly, young children, or anyone with a weakened immune system. Listeria monocytogenes can also be the source of stillbirths and miscarriages when it impacts pregnant women.

Food Safety News reveals that the bacteria was detected at the Wilmington-based, Progressive Gourmet Inc. factory, when in-house testing found Listeria on a contact surface. Here, the Starbucks 6-ounce sausage, egg, and cheddar cheese English muffin sandwiches are made.

Right after the Listeria was detected, a recall was sent out. It was discovered that the sandwiches made their way to the 250 stores in Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. Note: They were only sold on the dates of March 3rd and March 4th, but were stamped with an expiration date of August 7th, 2016. The cafe items were also sent to Maryland, Texas, Louisiana, and North Carolina warehouses before being recalled.

The FDA states that “no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product” and that “no other production runs of this product are impacted by this recall.” (Though, it may take up to 70 days for Listeria monocytogenes infection symptoms to appear.)

If you believe that you bought one of the contaminated sandwiches, then you can return it (if you haven’t already consumed it) to the Starbucks where you purchased it for a full refund. You can also contact Starbucks (Monday-Friday, between 9am-5pm EST) with any questions at this number: 1-800-224-7630.

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