990260 Georgia Firm Recalls Meat In Latest Listeria Case

Washington - A Georgia company recalled 4,500 pounds of franks and smoked sausages after listeria bacteria, which has been linked to 12 recent U.S. deaths, was discovered, the Agriculture Department said.

Lowell Packing Co. of Fitzgerald, Ga., recalled the meat after routine Agriculture Department tests found listeria in the company's products. The recalled products were sold in central and south Georgia and in eastern Alabama.

Close to a dozen companies in the United States this year have recalled products from meat to milk after the deadly bacteria was discovered.

At least 12 people have died, five women have suffered miscarriages and 82 people have become sick from listeria since August after consuming hot dogs and luncheon meats produced by Bil Mar, a unit of Sara Lee Corp. .

The Agriculture Department said no illnesses have been reported in association with the Lowell Packing recall and it has not been linked to the Bil Mar outbreak.

Listeria bacteria is found in soil and in water, and causes a condition called listeriosis, which is not normally contracted by healthy people.

The most common symptoms are meningitis, which has symptoms including high fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can cause miscarriages and stillbirths, and can be fatal for those with weakened immune systems, including infants, the elderly or people with chronic diseases.

Wednesday, Ba Le Meat Processing and Wholesale, Inc., of Chicago recalled "Ba Le Gio Thu" headcheese after listeria was found in the meat. Headcheese is a seasoned loaf made of the head meat of a calf or pig.

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