WASHINGTON, April 26, 2000--The Meat
Block, Inc., a Muskegon, Mich., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 180 pounds of
sliced roast beef and sliced boneless ham that may be contaminated with Listeria
monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection
Service announced today. The products subject to recall are 4 ounce packages and one
10-pound package of "MEAT Block" brand "ROAST BEEF 17239" and 5 to 17
pound random weight packages of "MEAT Block" brand "OLDE VIRGINIA BRAND
BONELESS HAM." The package labels bear establishment codes "P-10270" and
"EST.10270" inside the two USDA seals of inspection.
The roast beef and ham were sliced and packaged April 20, and distributed to
restaurants in Muskegon County.
"Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we want consumers to be aware of
the recall," said Administrator Thomas J. Billy.
Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact Harvey Anderson, owner,
The Meat Block, Inc., at (231) 773-0187.
The problem was discovered through routine FSIS microbiological sampling.
Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause
listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract
listeriosis. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and
nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as
serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weak immune systems--infants, the
frail or elderly, and persons with chronic disease, with HIV infection, or taking
chemotherapy.
FSIS has received no reports of illness associated with consumption of this product.
Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician.
Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry
Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern
Time) Monday through Friday.
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