Parker Waichman LLP

Concerns Over Listeria Warnings For Schools

A company recalled meat linked to a listeria outbreak The Agriculture Department should have warned schools to check their freezers and refrigerators immediately after a company recalled meat linked to a listeria outbreak, consumer groups and advocates say. Days after the department announced Sunday a Wampler Foods’ plant in Franconia, Pa., was recalling 27 million […]

Listeria Warnings

A company recalled meat linked to a listeria outbreak The Agriculture Department should have warned schools to check their freezers and refrigerators immediately after a company recalled meat linked to a listeria outbreak, consumer groups and advocates say.

Days after the department announced Sunday a Wampler Foods’ plant in Franconia, Pa., was recalling 27 million pounds of chicken and turkey meat, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman released a statement Thursday that said the agency had purchased 1.8 million pounds of ready-to-eat turkey products for the federal lunch program.

“Isn’t it amazing that they didn’t look for that (in schools) before now?” said Donna Rosenbaum, spokeswoman for the advocacy group, Safe Tables Our Priority. “I find it unconscionable that they would not jump on that immediately after issuing the recall.”

No illnesses have been reported at the schools, but the department still is investigating which ones received the meat and how much, according to background information that was provided to reporters with Veneman’s statement

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said turkey deli meat from the Wampler Foods’ plant in Franconia, Pa., probably caused a listeria outbreak in the Northeast that killed seven people and sickened 36. Wampler Foods is owned by Texas-based Pilgrim’s Pride.

Carol Tucker Foreman, director of the Consumer Federation’s Food Policy Institute and a leading critic of the department’s meat and poultry testing program, wondered why it seemed that the government is hiding information as it investigates this latest recall.

some of this meat was distributed to schools

“They have known for some period of time that some of this meat was distributed to schools,” she said. “Why haven’t they told the public that that was the case? Elementary students are in the vulnerable populations for listeria illness. Why keep that a secret?”

Alisa Harrison, an Agriculture Department spokeswoman, said schools were informed in general terms of the expanded recall on Sunday. The Department routinely advises schools of such a recall, she said.

Veneman in her statement attempted to allay concerns about how the agency has handled the recall.

“Let there be no doubt about our determination and the seriousness in which we take these important food safety matters,” Veneman said. She noted the agency already has increased food safety funding, revamped inspector training programs, and hired additional inspectors.

Veneman also said she is directing food safety officials to strengthen their current listeria-testing program. She said the department was examining “ways to enhance its food safety programs through sound policy and the best scientific resources available.”

Safe Tables Our Priority leaders sent a letter to President Bush, urging that the Agriculture Department make final a rule, drafted during the Clinton administration, to monitor listeria.

Food safety groups argue that the rule it could prevent outbreaks because it requires companies to test for listeria. Many plants, including Wampler Foods, already do their own testing, according to the industry.

Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, in a letter to Veneman on Thursday, called on her to approve the rule as soon as possible. “Moving forward with performance standards for ensuring that ready-to-eat products are not adulterated with listeria would bring consumers needed protection,” he wrote.

Veneman said her office nearly has completed its risk assessment study of listeria, which is “critical to implement this rule.”

Need Legal Help Regarding Listeria Warnings?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value
David Gillis Jr
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I worked with Shelly Davis for the past few years regarding my Dad’s 911 claim. My Dad passed away from being at ground zero on 911 due to cancer he developed while working in construction there. Shelly provided the quickest and most efficient information while working with me on this claim. She was quick to get back to me and was always there when I had questions. She was courteous and professional, I highly recommend using Shelly Davis from Parker Waichman.
Lauren Bertman
2 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I was extremely pleased with my service! Michele Josama was an absolute gem. She was so kind and professional. She handled my family member’s case and worked diligently on our behalf. We are truly grateful for her hard work!! Thank you so much!!!
Naomi Paul
5 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038