Reichel Foods recalls meat products over Listeria concerns

US-based Reichel Foods is recalling 15,880lbs of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products as they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The products being recalled are 5.6oz packages of Armour Active Packs Turkey and Cheese Wrap, bearing package code 1026090112 or case code 27815-17994; as well as Armour Active Packs Ham and Cheese Wrap with package code 1026090112 or case code 27815-17995.

These products, produced between 23 July 2012 and 26 July 2012, were shipped to distribution centres in Indiana, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

The packages have the establishment number P-19941 or Est-19941 inside the USDA mark of inspection, and have a sell by date of up to 1 September 2012.

FSIS noted that the problem was identified following a microbiological testing by a third party.

Reichel Foods and the FSIS have not received any reports of illness associated to the consumption of these products.Consumers who are concerned about an illness have been asked to consult a doctor.

This recall has been classified as Class I, which indicates a health hazard situation where there are chances of serious, adverse health consequences or even death due to the consumption of the products.

Recently, New Jersey-based meatball manufacturer Buona Vita issued two recalls of various frozen, ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to Listeria contamination.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can lead to a foodborne illness known as Listeriosis, and the symptoms of an infection may include fever, muscle aches and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or diarrhoea.

The illness can be dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, newborn infants and those with compromised immune systems.

Listeria bacteria multiply in low temperatures, and the outbreaks are usually linked with food products, such as unpasteurised cheese, deli meat and smoked refrigerated seafood.

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Image: The recall of Reichel Foods meat products has been classified as Class I, which indicates a serious health hazard. Photo: courtesy of USDA.