WASHINGTON, July 3, 2002 – T & B Food Corp., a
College Point, N.Y., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately
100 pounds of sliced pork hocks 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 "DIM SUM KING
SLICED PORK HOCK," in 8 oz., vacuum- sealed packages. The packages have a
code of "80177" on the label and bear "EST. 18938" inside the USDA seal of
inspection.
The pork hock was produced on June 25, and
distributed to retail establishments in the New York City metropolitan area.
"Because of the potential for foodborne illness,
we want consumers to be aware of the recall," said William J. Hudnall,
acting FSIS administrator. "If they find the recalled product, then
consumers should not eat it but return it 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, such as infants, the frail or
elderly, persons with chronic disease, individuals with HIV infection, or
those under 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 Wally Poon, president, T & B Food Corp., at (718)
461-5181.
Consumers with other food safety questions can
phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The
hotline is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety
messages are available 24 hours a day.
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