WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2002
– Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc., a Halifax, N.C.
firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately
2,200 pounds of white meat chicken salad 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 12-ounce
containers of "RESER’S FINE FOODS WHITE MEAT
CHICKEN SALAD." The containers are marked
with a packaging code of "Aug 13-02-30" and
the labels bear establishment number "P-874"
inside the USDA seal of inspection. The
12-ounce containers are packed in cases that
bear a case code of "7111719008" and "Aug
13-02-30."
The products were produced on July 12, 2002
and distributed to retail establishments in
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and North
Carolina.
"Because of the potential for foodborne
illness, we want consumers to be aware of the
recall," said William J. Hudnall, acting FSIS
administrator. "If they find the recalled
products, then consumers should not eat them,
but return them to the point of purchase."
Reser’s Fine Food, Inc. notified FSIS that
it was recalling the products based on a
positive test for Listeria monocytogenes
from a sample collected and analyzed by the
Georgia Department of Agriculture.
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 cause
miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as
serious and sometimes fatal infections in
those with weakened immune systems, such as
infants, the frail or elderly, persons with
chronic disease, those with HIV infection or
people undergoing 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 Mike Reser, vice
president, Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc., at (503)
643-6431.
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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