WASHINGTON, March 6, 2003 – Locustdale Meat Packing Co., a Locustdale, Pa.,
establishment, is voluntarily recalling
approximately 11 pounds of smoked pork chops 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 one
approximately 11-pound box of "SMOKED PORK CHOPS." The box contains 30 pork
chops. The establishment number EST. 9799 is located on the label.
The product was produced on Feb. 21 and
distributed to one restaurant in Frackville, Pa.
"We want consumers to be aware of the recall
because of the potential for foodborne illness," said Dr. Garry L. McKee,
FSIS administrator. "Diners in Frackville may wish to ask if their meals
contain the recalled product."
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 lead to miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as
serious and sometimes fatal infections in children, seniors and those with
compromised immune systems.
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 Veronica Holderman, company secretary, at (570) 875-1270.
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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