New York Firm Recalls Beef Bologna For Possible Listeria Contamination

Market Wire, 20050229

Zweigle's Inc., a Rochester, NY, firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately2,200 pounds of beef bologna that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The product subject to recall is Zweigle's brand "BEEF BOLOGNA" in approximately 10-15 pound logs, with each log in a single carton. Each carton label bears a sell-by date of "07-01-00" and a production date code of 0137. The carton labels also bear "EST. 5333" inside the USDA seal of inspection.

The bologna was produced on May 16, and distributed to grocery delicatessens in Rochester and the Finger Lakes area of New York.

"Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we want consumers to be aware of the recall," said Thomas J. Billy, administrator of FSIS.

Zweigle's is voluntarily recalling the bologna based on the results of microbiological sampling by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets reported to the company.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal 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--infants, the frail or elderly, and persons with chronic disease, with HIV infection, or taking chemotherapy.

FSIS has received no reports of illness associated with consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact James Vacanti, Zweigle's media coordinator, at (716) 546-1740.

Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday.

NOTE: Access news releases and other information at the FSIS Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov