WASHINGTON, June 9,
2000--Zweigles Inc., a Rochester, NY, firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately
2,200 pounds of beef bologna that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,
the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service announced
today.
The product subject to recall is Zweigles brand "BEEF
BOLOGNA" in approximately 10-15 pound logs, with each log in a single carton.
Each carton label bears a sell-by date of "07-01-00" and a production date code
of 0137. The carton labels also bear "EST. 5333" inside the USDA seal of
inspection.
The bologna was produced on May 16, and distributed to grocery
delicatessens in Rochester and the Finger Lakes area of New York.
"Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we want consumers to
be aware of the recall," said Thomas J. Billy, administrator of FSIS.
Zweigles is voluntarily recalling the bologna based on the results
of microbiological sampling by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets reported
to the company.
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 and media with questions about the recall may contact James
Vacanti, Zweigles media coordinator, at (716) 546-1740.
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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