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New Jersey Company Recalls Sliced Meats For Potential Listeria Contamination

        WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 1999--Foodarama Supermarkets, Inc., a Linden, N.J., firm is voluntarily recalling approximately 900 pounds of assorted sliced delicatessen meats that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

        Recalled products are in packages ranging from 6 to 9 ounces. Each package label has "WORLD CLASS KITCHENS" printed on it, and all labels bear either "EST.P5495" or "EST.5495" in the USDA seal of inspection. The products were distributed only in central N.J.

        The following delicatessen meats being recalled have a code date of 12.25.99 on the label:

• GERMAN BOLOGNA
• LIVERWURST
• FIRST CUT PASTRAMI
• OVEN ROASTED TURKEY BREAST
• OVEN ROASTED HONEY TURKEY BREAST
• SMOKED TURKEY BREAST
• MASTER CHEF 98% FAT FREE SKINLESS TURKEY BREAST
• HOT HAM WATER ADDED
• MORTADELLA
• FIRST CUT CORNED BEEF

        The LESS SODIUM HAM being recalled has a code date of 12.22.99 on the label.

        "Because of the potential of foodborne illness, we urge consumers who have purchased the suspect product not to eat it and to return it to the point of purchase," said Margaret Glavin, acting administrator of FSIS.

        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.

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

        Consumers with questions about the recall can call Anthony Necamp at World Class Kitchens, tel: 1-732-294-2296.

        Consumers with questions about food safety may phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline is staffed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern time) Monday through Friday, and recorded information is available 24 hours a day.