Michigan Firm Recalls Sliced Hams for Possible Listeria Contamination

        WASHINGTON, July 29, 1999--Dearborn Sausage Company, a Dearborn, Mich., processing company is voluntarily recalling approximately 200 pounds of sliced hams because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

        The recalled products are Dearborn brand "Spiral Sliced Ham with Glaze Packet," packaged with a whole or half ham in a box, and Dearborn brand "Sliced Hickory Ham" packaged with three individual whole hams in a box. Weights of each box vary. A code of H56197A, H56194A, H56194B or G76196A is located after "Lot No." on the outer boxes, and the boxes bear "EST 10002" in the USDA inspection mark.

        The product was packaged on July 20, 1999, and distributed only in Michigan.

        FSIS discovered the problem through its routine monitoring program. A sample was found positive for Listeria monocytogenes on July 27, 1999.

        "Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we urge consumers who have purchased the suspect product not to eat it and to return it to the place of purchase," said Thomas J. Billy, administrator of USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

        Consumption of foods contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially serious disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. 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--newborns, the frail or elderly, and persons with chronic disease, with HIV infection, or taking chemotherapy.

        No illnesses associated with consumption of the recalled product have been reported to FSIS. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician immediately.

        People with questions about the recall may contact Mr. Todd Meier, Vice President of Dearborn Sausage Company, at (313) 842-2375, extension 3035.

        Consumers with food safety questions may phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline is staffed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday and recorded information is available 24 hours a day.

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