Southfield, MI - Hygrade Food Products announced that one production lot of its Hygrade's brand hot dogs has the potential to be contaminated with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.
No illnesses have been reported to date due to the hot dogs, which are sold by retail stores across the United States.
The listeria bacterium has been found in soil, water and a variety of raw foods such as uncooked meats and vegetables. It can, however, sometimes result in a serious infection called listeriosis that affects primarily pregnant women, newborns and adults with weakened immune systems (for example people with cancer, diabetes, kidney disease or AIDS). People with listeriosis usually experience fever and muscle aches, and sometimes have gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. Listeria bacteria are killed by thorough cooking.
This advisory is the result of a sampling program by the Michigan Department of Agriculture that revealed the product may be contaminated with the bacteria.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Brand: Hygrade's Brand Hot Dogs made with chicken and pork. Package UPC: 545103 Distributor: numerous retail chains and wholesale accounts across the United States Date code: JAN06B (located on the upper right or left hand corner of the package) USDA Est. No.: P-8740 Packaging: black printed film, 1 pound, 8 hot dogs per package
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed the following recommendations to help consumers reduce the risk of foodborne listeriosis:
- Always cook raw food from animal sources such as beef, pork or poultry thoroughly.
- Wash raw vegetables well before eating.
- Keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables, cooked foods and ready- to- eat foods.
- Do not consume raw (unpasteurized) milk or food made from raw milk.
-Wash hands, knives and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods.
Consumers who purchased Hygrade's brand hot dogs with the code listed above are urged to return the product to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Food and Dairy Division, weekdays at 517-373-1060 or Hygrade Food Products Consumer Affairs Department at 888-317-5867.
Meat Industry Insights News Service
P.O. Box 553
Northport, NY 11768
Phone: 631-757-4010
Fax: 631-757-4060
E-mail: sflanagan@sprintmail.com
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