WASHINGTON, July 27, 2002–
Howard W. Darling, a La Plume, Pa., establishment, is voluntarily recalling
approximately 22 pounds of fresh sausage products 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 one pound rings of
"SMOKED KIELBASI." Each package bears the establishment code "EST. 9777"
located inside the USDA seal of inspection.
These products were produced on July 12, and distributed at the
establishment’s retail store between July 12 and July 14.
"We urge consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers," said
William Hudnall, acting FSIS administrator. "If they find any of the
products listed above, 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 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 Howard Darling,
owner, at (570) 945-5716.
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.
#
NOTE: Access news releases and other information at the FSIS Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov |