Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli: what food recalls mean for your health

Updated November 2, 2026 · By the PantryRecall team

Three bacteria cause most of the serious, health-related food recalls in the United States. This page summarizes what the CDC says about each. It is general information, not medical advice. Contact a healthcare provider if you are worried.

Listeria

Listeria is most dangerous for pregnant people and their newborns, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems. In healthy adults it may cause only a short illness with diarrhea and fever. When it spreads beyond the gut (invasive listeriosis), symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Symptoms usually start within two weeks of eating contaminated food but can appear the same day or up to ten weeks later. Listeria grows at refrigerator temperatures, which is why it is linked to ready-to-eat foods such as deli meats, soft cheeses, smoked seafood and cut fruit.

Salmonella

Most people with Salmonella infection have diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, starting 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. Illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days and most people recover without specific treatment. Children under 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness. Recalls involving Salmonella often cover produce, spices, nuts, seeds and sprouts.

E. coli (STEC)

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, including E. coli O157:H7, can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that is often bloody, and vomiting. Symptoms usually begin 3 to 4 days after exposure. Most people improve within 5 to 7 days, but some people, especially young children and older adults, develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney condition. Leafy greens, raw milk products and undercooked ground beef are common sources.

When to call a doctor

• Diarrhea with a fever above 102°F (38.9°C)
• Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
• Bloody diarrhea
• So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
• Signs of dehydration, such as very little urination, dry mouth and throat, or dizziness when standing
• Any symptoms after eating a recalled product if you are pregnant, 65 or older, or immunocompromised