Sliced Ham Products Recalled For Listeria Monocytogenes Risk

The U.S. FSIS (U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service) announced that Gusto Packing of Montgomery, Illinois recalled approx. 67,113 lbs. of their sliced ham products due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The products were shipped to wholesalers to be distributed in four U.S. states (i.e. Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky) and Canada.

The cases recalled were as follows:

-31.6-lb. cases, with four individual-sized hams, each labeled "Ripple Creek Farms, Fully Cooked, Ready To Eat, Hickory Smoked, Spiral Sliced Ham" with the case code "71292603312," packaged on Nov. 30, 2013, having a Best Before date of "2014 FE 13."

-45.8-lb. cases, with six individual-sized hams, each labeled "AMISH VALLEY, Fully Cooked, Hickory Smoked Spiral Sliced Ham" with the case code "71292645104," packaged on Nov. 29, 2013, having a Use or Freeze by date of "02/06/14."

-45.5-lb. cases, with six individual-sized hams, each labeled "Centrella Signature, Hardwood Hickory Smoked, Spiral Sliced Ham with Natural Juices" with the case code "71292603304," packaged on Nov. 29, 2013, having a Use or Freeze by date of "02/06/14."

-45.8-lb. cases, with six individual-sized hams, each labeled "AMISH VALLEY, Fully Cooked, Hickory Smoked Spiral Sliced Ham" with the case code "71292645104," packaged on Nov. 30, 2013, having a Use or Freeze by date of "02/06/14."

The ham products bear the USDA mark of inspection, "EST. 2516". How is it possible? Well it seems that the problem was discovered when the company's internal sampling program found positive test for Listeria and the said products were frozen and held for reconditioning but it was inadvertently shipped.

The company informed U.S. FSIS right away. Gusto Packing and the FSIS haven't received any reports of illnesses associated with the consumption of the said ham product. Those who experiences problems should go to their nearest hospital or contact their healthcare provider.

It seems that Gusto Packing company isn't the only one having problems with Listeria contaminated ham products. The CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) recalled a ham product due to possible Listeria contamination recently too.

The product in question is the Ripple Creek Farm's Hickory Smoked Spiral Sliced Ham which is being distributed in British Columbia and Alberta.

The agency said they haven't received any illnesses reported yet.

The products are both contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes. This type of foodborne Illness can weakened the immune systems of adults especially those with serious health problems, pregnant women and the elderly. Symptoms of Listeria include vomiting, muscle ache, nausea, fever, neck stiffness. Listeria can also cause death.

sources:

http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2014/01/ham-recalled-due-to-listeria-contamination/

http://www.learn2serve.com/blog/listeria-foodborne-pathogen-risks/

http://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2014/spiral-sliced-hams-recalled-for-possible-listeria/