ODA Director
Fred L. Dailey


ODH Director
J. Nick Baird, M.D.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AND

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

 

Press Release / Food Recall
To: Health Commissioners, Environmental Health Directors, Nursing Directors, ODA Food Safety Specialists, and Other Interested Parties
Subject:

Recall Announcement (ODA/ODH) 2004-33
Date: August 11, 2004
Media Contact: Libby Lawson, company media and consumer relations representative at (479) 290-3486

NEW YORK FIRM RECALLS HAMS FOR POSSIBLE LISTERIA CONTAMINATION

 

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2004 - Zemco Industries, Inc., Division of Foodbrands America Inc., a Buffalo, N.Y., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 422 pounds of fully cooked ham that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The products subject to recall are bulk packages of "RUSSER, Canadian Brand Maple Ham, Made in the USA, WATER ADDED." A sell by date of "OCT. 25, 04" appears on each label. In addition, the hams bear the establishment code "Est. 5222" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The hams were produced on July 27, 2004, and sent to stores in Connecticut, New York and Ohio. The problem was discovered by the company. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products.

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 weak immune systems - infants, the frail or elderly and persons with chronic disease, HIV infection or in chemotherapy.

 

Listeria Precautions
USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
1-888-MPHotline or visit www.fsis.usda.gov


People at risk for listeriosis and their family members or individuals preparing food for them should:

Reheat until steaming hot the following types of ready-to-eat foods: hot dogs, luncheon meats, cold cuts, fermented and dry sausage, and other deli-style meat and poultry products. Thoroughly reheating food can help kill any bacteria that might be present. If you cannot reheat these foods, do not eat them.

Wash hands with hot, soapy water after handling these types of ready-to-eat foods. (Wash for at least 20 seconds.) Also wash cutting boards, dishes, and utensils. Thorough washing helps eliminate any bacteria that might get on your hands or other surfaces from food before it is reheated.

Do not drink raw, unpasteurized milk or eat foods made from it, such as unpasteurized cheese.

Observe all expiration dates for perishable items that are precooked or ready-to-eat.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact the company consumer toll-free hotline at (866) 658-0019. Media with questions about the recall may contact Libby Lawson, company media and consumer relations representative at (479) 290-3486.

Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854). The hotline 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.

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