- The listeria bacteria was found in a two-ounce sample of cream cheese
- Samples tested both before and after came back negative for listeria
- Only American stores are affected by the recall – Canadian locations operate as normal
- The listeria bacteria can cause muscle aches, fever and gastrointestinal symptoms and is sometimes fatal
Panera has pulled all 2 and 8 ounce sized cream cheese products from their store menus after sample of the spread tested positive for the presence of Listeria.
The chain eatery, which focuses on baked goods and cafe items, revealed the news in a press release Sunday. In the statement, further tests that were run both before and after the contaminated sample was brought to light came back negative.
‘The safety of our guests and associates is paramount,’ said Blaine Hurt, Panera’s CEO. ‘Our intent is to go above and beyond for our guests. You should expect nothing less from Panera.’
Panera has pulled all their 2 and 8 ounce sized cream cheese products off the shelves following the news that a sample of the spread tested positive for listeria
Panera has over 2,000 locations, mostly in the United States. The recall doesn’t affect the chain’s Canadian locations or other products sold.
Listeria is a bacterial infection that can cause a bevy of health problems for those affected. The fatality rate in humans who contract it is around 20 percent.
The disease is particularly life threatening in young, sick, and elderly people, in addition to those with weak immune systems. Symptoms can include fevers, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues – for pregnant women, there’s a risk of miscarriage.
Listeria, caused by a bacterial infection, carries a 20 percent fatality rate in infected humans