WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2002 – Tommy’s
Quality Meats Inc., a San Diego, Calif., establishment, is voluntarily
recalling approximately 200 pounds of fully cooked, chopped ham that may
be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.
The product subject to recall is 10 lb., cryovac-sealed, bags of
"TOMMY’S QUALITY MEAT CO. CHOPPED HAM." Each bag is marked
with a code of "EST. 4150" inside the USDA seal of inspection.
The bags were shipped in 50 lb. cases labeled "TOMMY’S QUALITY MEAT
CO. CHOPPED HAM." Each case is marked with a code of "EST.
4150" inside the USDA seal of inspection and stamped with a date code
of "FEB 12 2002."
The chopped ham was produced on Feb. 12, and distributed to restaurants
in San Diego County, Calif.
"Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we want consumers
to be aware of the recall," said Ron Hicks, acting FSIS
administrator. "Diners in San Diego County may wish to ask if meals
prepared with chopped ham contain the recalled product."
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 illnesses associated with consumption
of this product. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a
physician.
Media and consumers with questions about the recall may contact Joe
Battaglia, president, Tommy’s Quality Meats Inc., at (619) 233-5753.
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, and recorded food
safety messages are available 24 hours a day.
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