“I’m Listeria on a Jet Plane”

So, sang John Denver – Almost.

American Airlines has temporarily stopped using a catering facility at Los Angeles International Airport after traces of the bacteria listeria, which can cause severe food poisoning, were detected in the kitchen, the company said Wednesday.

The bacteria was detected on floors and in drains during a routine inspection of the kitchen operated by Gate Gourmet, but not on surfaces that come in contact with food, according to American. There have been no reports of passengers or employees being affected by listeriosis, the illness caused by listeria.

An estimated 1,600 people get sick, and about 260 die, from listeriosis each year, usually by consuming foods contaminated with the bacteria listeria, according to the CDC. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches and nausea or diarrhea. Pregnant women, newborns and people over age 65 are especially vulnerable.

Republished with permission from Bill Marler and Marler Clark. Copyright (c) Marler Clark LLP, PS. All rights reserved.