WASHINGTON, May 7, 2002 – Ponderosa Meat &
Provision, a Reno, Nev., establishment, is
voluntarily recalling approximately 300 pounds
of ready-to-eat ham 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
approximately 20 lb. cases containing a single
vacuum pack of sliced "HAM Water Added." Each
case bears the package code "APR 30 2002," as
well as an establishment code "EST. 7189"
inside the USDA seal of inspection.
The ham was produced on April 30 and
distributed to hotels, restaurants, and
institutions in Carson City and Sparks, Nev.
“Because of the potential for foodborne
illness, we want consumers to be aware of the
recall,” said William J. Hudnall, 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.
Consumers and media with questions about the
recall may contact Rocky Mastelotto, quality
control manager, Ponderosa Meat & Provision,
at (775) 322-4063.
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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