WASHINGTON, July 1, 2001--Stampede Packing
Co., a Kalispell, Mont., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 100
pounds of ready-to-eat bratwurst 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 1 lb. packages of "REDNECK
SWISS BRAND BRATWURST." The packages are marked with a package code
of "252214," and the labels bear "EST. 4940" inside
the USDA seal of inspection.
The bratwurst was packaged on June 25, and distributed to retail
establishments in Montana and Washington.
"Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we want consumers
to be aware of the recall," said Margaret O’K. Glavin, acting FSIS
administrator. "If they find the recalled products, 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. 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 T.S.
Laurens, owner, Stampede Packing Co., at (406) 755-3377.
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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