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Sliced Turkey Recalled For Listeria

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

A small amount of sliced turkey--just 17.5 pounds--is being recalled by Allentown, PA-based K. Heeps Inc. because the company's bird meat may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said recalled product is fully cooked turkey breast.  The recalled product is:

-17.5-pound package of "K. Heeps Inc. Fully Cooked, Sliced Turkey, Boneless with Broth."

The label bears the establishment number "EST. 09379A" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The sliced turkey breast products were produced on June 28, 2010, and distributed to a restaurant in Reading, PA.

The Listeria contamination was discovered through the FSIS microbiological sampling program.

No illnesses have been associated with the Class I, High Health Risk recall.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers (including restaurants) of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease.

High fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and nausea are among the symptoms of Listeria.  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 health care provider.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact company Recall Coordinator Beau Heeps at (610) 530-8010.

Full post as published by Food Safety News on July 08, 2010 (boomark / email).