Approximately 380,000 pounds of deli meat products distributed
nationwide have been recalled by its New York state producer after learning
the meats are potentially contaminated with a dangerous bacteria that can
cause serious health problems, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced
last week.
Zemco Industries, a unit of Tyson Foods based out of Buffalo,
N.Y., recalled the cold cuts after a retail sample collected in Georgia
tested positive for the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, according to the
USDA.
The products were distributed to Walmart stores, where they were
further processed into a variety of grab-and-go sandwiches, the USDA
announced.
The products subject to recall include the following "Marketside
Grab and Go Sandwiches" products:
-- 25.5-pound cases of "Black Forest Ham with Natural Juices
Coated with Caramel Color" with the number 17800 1300
-- 28.49-pound cases of "Hot Ham, Hard Salami, Pepperoni, Sandwich
Peppers" with the number 17803 1300
-- 32.67-pound cases of "Virginia Brand Ham with Natural Juices,
Made in New York, Fully Cooked Bacon, Sandwich Pickles, Sandwich Peppers"
with the number 17804 1300
Local
-- 25.5-pound cases of "Angus Roast Beef Coated with Caramel
Color" with the number 17805 1300.
The packages also bear the vendor number "398412808," the USDA
mark of inspection and "Est. 5222."
The meat products were produced on various dates from June 18 to
July 2, and have "Use By" dates ranging from Aug. 20 to Sept. 10.
No illnesses associated with consumption of this product have been
reported to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, which conducts
recall effectiveness checks and verifies potentially contaminated products
have been removed from sale.
Short-term symptoms of the bacterial infection include fever,
headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Consumers with any
of these symptoms should contact a physician.
Infants, seniors and those with a weakened immune system are
especially susceptible to a Listeria infection, which can cause serious and
sometimes fatal complications. Pregnant women are also at risk of
miscarriages and stillbirths if infected with the bacteria.
Anyone at risk for contamination is advised to wash their hands
with warm, soapy water before and after handling raw mean and poultry for
more than 20 seconds.
The USDA recommends that those at risk avoid eating hot dogs,
luncheon meats, bologna or other deli meats unless they are reheated until
steaming hot, and recommends against consuming pate, meat spreads or
refrigerated smoked seafood.
