WASHINGTON, March 1, 2000--Dort Meat Co., a Flint, Mich.,
firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 80 pounds of cooked corned beef and cooked
ham that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of
Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. The products
being recalled are "SLICED OR SHAVED COOKED CORNED BEEF ROUND AND 20% WATER" in
vacuum packages that weigh an average of 4-6 pounds and "SHAVED OR SLICED BONELESS
HAM AND WATER PRODUCT" in packages that weigh an average of 10 pounds. The packages
bear "EST. 2431" inside the USDA seal of inspection on the label.
The products were produced Feb. 21 and distributed to restaurants in Genesee Co., Mich.
"Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we want consumers to be aware of
the recall," said Administrator Thomas J. Billy.
Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact Ronald Miarka or
Michael Howay, Dort Meat Co., (810) 767-8844.
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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