000723 CT Firm Recalls Beef Jerky For Possible ListeriaJuly 10, 2000Washington - Nodine's Smokehouse, Inc., a Torrington, Conn., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 125 pounds of beef jerky that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced. The product subject to recall is "NODINE'S" smoked beef jerky in various size packages, ranging from one-ounce to five-pound packages. The package label bears "EST. 4722" inside the USDA seal of inspection. The smoked beef jerky was produced on June 23, and distributed at the wholesale and retail level in Connecticut, Florida, and Massachusetts. "Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we urge consumers to check to see if they have purchased the product," said FSIS Administrator Thomas J. Billy. "If they find the recalled products, consumers should not eat them, but return them to the point of purchase." The problem was discovered through routine FSIS microbiological sampling. 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 with questions about the recall may contact Johanne Nodine, president, Nodine's Smokehouse, Inc., at 1-800-222-2059. Media with questions may contact Ronald F. Nodine, vice president, Nodine's Smokehouse, Inc., at 1-800-222-2059. 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.
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