WASHINGTON, July 6, 2000--Nodines
Smokehouse, Inc., a Torrington, Conn., firm, is
voluntarily recalling approximately 125 pounds of beef
jerky 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
"NODINES" smoked beef jerky in various
size packages, ranging from one-ounce to five-pound
packages. The package label bears "EST. 4722"
inside the USDA seal of inspection.
The smoked beef jerky was produced on
June 23, and distributed at the wholesale and retail
level in Connecticut, Florida, and Massachusetts.
"Because of the potential for
foodborne illness, we urge consumers to check to see if
they have purchased the product," said FSIS
Administrator Thomas J. Billy. "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 with questions about the recall
may contact Johanne Nodine, president, Nodines
Smokehouse, Inc., at 1-800-222-2059. Media with questions
may contact Ronald F. Nodine, vice president,
Nodines Smokehouse, Inc., at 1-800-222-2059.
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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