WASHINGTON, Aug. 30,
2002 – PacFoods U.S.A., a Hayward, Calif. firm, is voluntarily recalling
approximately 56 pounds of frozen chicken egg rolls 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 6.25 lb. boxes
of "Egg Roll Fantasy, SPICY CASHEW CHICKEN EGGROLL." Each package bears the
establishment code "P-9889" inside the USDA seal of inspection. Each box
also bears the date code "22226."
The egg rolls were produced on Aug. 14 and sent
to wholesale distributors in Watsonville, Oceanside, and Brisbane,
California.
"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 have the recalled products, then
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. However, listeriosis
can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea.
Listeriosis can also cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in those
with weakened immune systems – such as infants, pregnant women, the frail or
elderly, persons with chronic disease, those with HIV infection, or patients
undergoing chemotherapy.
FSIS has received no reports of illnesses
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 Daniel Castillo, company plant manager, at (510)
786-3885.
Consumers with 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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