000349 Utica, NY Company Recalls Hot DogsMarch 18, 2000Washington - A New York food company is recalling more than 400 pounds of hot dogs because they may be contaminated with a bacteria that can cause an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Smith Packing Co. of Utica recalled the franks after tests revealed they may contain Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause listeriosis, the Agriculture Department said Wednesday. No illnesses have been reported, but the disease can cause high fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness and nausea. While healthy people rarely contract listeriosis, it can be potentially fatal to people with weak immune systems - infants, the elderly, chemotherapy patients and people with HIV infections or other chronic diseases. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths. The recalled product is Honest John's brand hot dogs distributed in Oneida County, N.Y., and packaged in two sizes. The 16-ounce packages bear “EST. 4578” inside the USDA seal of inspection and the sell by date “Apr 11” on the label. On the outside of the 12 pound boxes, which contain two six-pound packages, is the sell by date “Apr 11” and the plant number “EST. 4578” inside the USDA seal. In addition, any six-pound packages - which have no identifying marks - that have been removed from any 12 pound box of Honest John's hot dogs, should be returned to the company.
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