WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–April 4, 2010 – Lorentz Meats, a Cannon Falls, Minn., establishment, is recalling approximately 100 pounds of ham products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The following products are subject to recall:
- Various sizes of whole or half ham packages of “KOWALSKI’S Markets, FULLY COOKED, SMOKED HAM, Naturally Smoked with Hardwoods, KEEP REFRIGERATED.” Each package bears a freeze by date “FREEZE BY 05/14/10” as well as the establishment number “Est. 21207” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
The ham products were produced on March 12, 2010, and were distributed to retail establishments in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn., and the surrounding area.
The problem was discovered through third-party testing, and the establishment notified FSIS. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. If available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_RecallsOpen_Federal_Cases/index.asp.
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 elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.
Consumers with questions about the recall should contact company Owner/Chief Financial Officer Mike Lorentz at (612) 490-1827.
Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) 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.
Source: usda.gov
