WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2001—Global Food
Management Group, a Colton, Calif. firm, is voluntarily recalling
approximately 950 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken fajitas 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 "REL’S FOOD CHICKEN &
CHEESE FAJITA" in 10-ounce packages. The packages contain labels that
bear "P-19913" inside the USDA seal of inspection.
The chicken fajitas were produced on Aug. 7, and distributed to retail
establishments in California.
"Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we want consumers
to be aware of the recall," said Thomas Billy, FSIS administrator.
"If they find the recalled products, consumers should not eat them,
but return them to the point of purchase."
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.
Media and consumers with questions about the recall may contact Fred
Hunter, company president, at (909) 777-3130.
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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