WASHINGTON, May 24, 2000--Cray HRI Food Service, Inc., a Mobile, Ala., firm, is
voluntarily recalling approximately 45 pounds of sliced ham, turkey breast, and
cooked beef round 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 "SLICED CURED HAM WATER ADDED,"
"SLICED TURKEY BREAST, HICKORY SMOKED," and "Sliced Cooked Beef
Round," in 6-12 pound catch weight boxes. The boxes have a code of
"0185" on the inside, and the labels also bear "EST. 9146"
or "P-9146" inside the USDA seal of inspection.
The products were produced on May 18, and distributed to institutions
(churches, restaurants, and concession stands) in Baldwin and Mobile counties
in Alabama.
Consumers may wish to ask at the institutions where they bought these
products if the institution received any of the recalled products.
"Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we want consumers to
be aware of the recall," said Margaret O’K. Glavin, FSIS acting
administrator.
The problem was discovered through FSIS’ routine microbiological testing
program.
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 and media with questions about the recall may contact Anita
Thigpen, Vice-President, at (334) 476-1600.
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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NOTE: Access news releases and other information at the FSIS Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov
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LISTERIA PRECAUTIONS
People at risk for
listeriosis and their family members or individuals preparing food for them should:
Reheat until steaming hot the following
types of ready-to-eat foods: hot dogs, luncheon meats, cold cuts, fermented and dry
sausage, and other deli-style meat and poultry products. Thoroughly reheating food can
help kill any bacteria that might be present. If you cannot reheat these foods, do not eat
them.
Wash hands with hot, soapy water after
handling these types of ready-to-eat foods. (Wash for at least 20 seconds.) Also wash
cutting boards, dishes, and utensils. Thorough washing helps eliminate any bacteria that
might get on your hands or other surfaces from food before it is reheated.
Do not eat soft cheeses such as feta, Brie,
Camembert, blue-veined or Mexican-style cheese. You can eat hard cheeses, processed
cheeses, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and yogurt.
Do not drink raw, unpasteurized milk or eat
foods made from it, such as unpasteurized cheese.
Observe all expiration dates for
perishable items that are precooked or ready-to-eat. |