WASHINGTON, March 5, 2002 – Caritas Ranch
BarBQ Inc., a Boerne, Texas establishment, is voluntarily recalling
approximately 360 pounds of beef and pork sausage 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 20 lb. cases of "SMOKED SAUSAGE
CARITAS RANCH BAR-B-Q fully cooked." Each case bears the code
"00657" and the establishment code "EST. 20207" inside
the USDA seal of inspection.
The products were produced on Feb. 25 and distributed to hotels,
restaurants, and institutions in Houston, Texas.
"Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we want consumers
to be aware of the recall," said Ronald Hicks, acting FSIS
administrator. "Diners 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. 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 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 Joe
Ouellette, HACCP quality control director, Caritas Ranch BarBQ Inc., at
(830) 336-2858.
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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