Black Olives Recalled Due too listeria Risk: Blood Poisoning Threat

Consumers who purchased “Olives blackened without core with garlic” are urged to return the product immediately due to potential Listeria contamination,which could lead to blood poisoning. Kalamatos Food GmbH issued the recall after routine self-controls detected the presence of *Listeria monocytogenes* in specific batches of their black olives. The affected product was sold at Rewe and Edeka supermarkets across multiple federal states in Germany.

Affected Product Details

The recall specifically targets the following product:

• Product name: Olives blackened without core with garlic
• Manufacturer: kalamatos Food GmbH
• Packaging: 180-gram pack
• Best Before Date (MHD): 14.07.2025
• Batch Number: 16062025

The affected olives were distributed in Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia.

Did You Know? Listeria infections are relatively rare, with a few hundred cases reported annually in Germany, but they can lead to severe health consequences, especially for vulnerable populations.

Health Risks Associated with Listeria

Listeria infection, or listeriosis, poses a significant health risk, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly [[CDC]. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like symptoms, such as fever and muscle pain, to more severe complications, including meningitis and blood poisoning [[Mayo Clinic].

According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), listeriosis can manifest as fever, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe instances, it can progress to meningitis or septicemia [[RKI].

Pro Tip: If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming the recalled black olives, seek medical attention immediately.

What to Do If You Purchased the Recalled Olives

Consumers who have purchased the “Olives blackened without core with garlic” with the specified best before date and batch number are advised to:

1. Do not consume the product.
2. Return the product to the point of sale (Rewe or Edeka).
3. recieve a full refund of the purchase price.

Kalamatos Food GmbH has issued an apology for the incident, stating that measures have been taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Supermarket Chains Respond

Both Rewe and Edeka have removed the affected product from their shelves and are cooperating with the manufacturer to inform customers about the recall. Customers who have purchased the olives are encouraged to check their pantries and refrigerators for the recalled product.

Listeria Outbreaks: A Growing Concern?

Food recalls due to listeria contamination are not uncommon. In the United States, the CDC estimates that Listeria causes approximately 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths each year [[CDC]. While food safety regulations aim to minimize contamination risks, Listeria can persist in food processing environments and contaminate various food products.