WASHINGTON, May 9,
2000--Freskomax Food Processors, Inc., a Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, firm, is voluntarily
recalling approximately 7,000 pounds of cooked chicken nuggets that may be contaminated
with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety
and Inspection Service announced today.
The product subject to recall is "Weaver" brand "Chicken
Nuggets" in approximately one pound packages. The package labels also bear
"P-19213" inside the USDA seal of inspection.
The nuggets were packaged on May 1, and distributed to grocers in Puerto
Rico.
"Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we urge consumers
who have purchased the suspect products not to eat them, but to return them to the point
of purchase," said Margaret OK. Glavin, FSIS associate administrator.
Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Felipe Rosado,
Buyer, at (787) 792-0606. Media with questions about the recall may contact Maritza Velez,
Quality Control Manager, at (787) 807-4578.
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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