On December 25, 2007, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a recall of roughly 88 pounds of ground beef patty products produced by Maramount Corporation because the meat may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease that healthy people rarely contract.

Symptoms of listeriosis include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and nausea. The disease can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as potentially fatal infections in infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Persons with weakened immune systems may be those with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy.

The recalled Maramount ground beef was labeled in 2-oz packages of ?Broiled Beef Patty (Microwave).? The products were individually packaged and delivered from 17.25-pound cases. Each case label bears a lot code of 07352 and product number 2801. Each case label also bears the establishment number “EST. 5370” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The USDA recommends consumers with questions about the recall should contact company representative Paul Altobelli at (718) 439-8900.

Source: U.S. Department of State, ?New York Firm Recalls Beef Patty Products For Possible Listeria Contamination,? December 25, 2007.