WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2003 – J.M. Packing, doing business as Cash & Carry
Inc., a Ponce, P.R., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately
490 pounds of cooked pork shoulder that may be contaminated with Listeria
monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and
Inspection Service announced today.
The products subject to recall are approximately
7 lb. packages of "PORK SHOULDER, PICNIC, WATER ADDED." Each product bears
the packing date of "01-21-03" and the sell by date of "03-07-03." Also on
each label is the establishment number, "EST. 19804."
The products were produced on Jan. 21 and sold to
customers of the company’s retail outlet located at 366 Calle Villa, Ponce,
P.R.
"Because of the potential for foodborne illness,
we want consumers to be aware of the recall," said Dr. Garry L. McKee, FSIS
administrator. "Consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers for
the recalled product and return it to the point of purchase."
The problem was discovered through follow-up FSIS
microbiological sampling.
Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria
monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal
disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. However, Listeriosis
can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea.
Listeriosis can also lead to miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as
serious and sometimes fatal infections in children, seniors and those with
compromised immune systems.
FSIS has received no reports of illnesses
associated with consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an
illness should contact a physician.
Media with questions about the recall may contact
Juan Marroig Arroyo, company plant manager, at (787) 842-0212. Consumers
with questions about the recall may contact Lizette Montero, company
secretary, at (787) 842-0212.
Consumers with other food safety questions can
phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The
hotline is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety
messages are available 24 hours a day.
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