SPAR discovered Listeria monocytogenes in three of its chicken products, prompting an urgent food recall from the supermarket and an alert from the Food Standards Agency (FSA). At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

Foods contaminated with the bacteria can make people sick. Symptoms can be mild and include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. More serious illness can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.

Listeria monocytogenes can be especially dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults and those with weak immune systems.

A joint investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local health authorities has traced a multistate Listeria outbreak to Ready-to-Eat (RTE) products manufactured by Fresh & Ready Foods LLC, based in San Fernando, California.