The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced two recalls over potential contamination with the Listeria monocytogenes pathogen, a dangerous and sometimes deadly food borne bacteria that thrives in cold temperatures and has an incubation period as long 70 days. Both companies say they have not received any reports of illness linked to these recalls; however, it is important to note that there is an extensive incubation period with Listeria contamination before which symptoms would appear.
Both recalls involve eggs manufactured by Michael Foods Inc. that are the subject of a previous recall over potential Listeria contamination. Michael Foods eggs were used in the following recalled products.
Greencore USA, Cincinnati, Ohio
Approximately 550 pounds of egg salad sandwiches are being recalled after Greencore was advised by one of its suppliers that hard-cooked eggs were potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and were being recalled by Michael Foods Egg Products Co. The Greencore egg salad sandwiches contain the recalled eggs. The sandwich products were produced beginning January 18, 2012 and were distributed to retail stores in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The following products are involved:
Greencore’s Mary Young, Technical Manager, can be reached at 1.513.645.1985, from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST).
GH Foods CA, LLC, Sacramento, California
GH Foods CA, LLC was also notified by its supplier that Michael Foods eggs were used in GH Foods CA sandwiches that were distributed in the state of California. The sandwiches were also sold in Walgreens retail stores. The recalled sandwiches are packaged in a cellophane wrapper and sold under the “Delish” brand. Code dates are listed on the Principal Display Panel and both sandwiches are 8.5 ounces:
- • Egg Salad on Honey Wheat Bread: UPC 0.49022-51925.1, Enjoy by date: 1/17/12 – 2/5/12.
- • Tuna Salad on Multigrain Bread: UPC 0.49022-51928.2, Enjoy by date 1/22/12 – 2/5/12.
The firm is urging consumers to discard or return the recalled product, even if it has expired, to the store for a refund. GH Foods CA’s Donald Johnson can be reached, toll-free, at 1.888.449.9386 from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Michael Foods, Inc.
Last week, Michael Foods, Inc. recalled some of its hard-cooked eggs over potential contamination with the Listeria monocytogenes pathogen. The recalled eggs were sold in brine in 10- and 25-pound pails for institutional use and were produced at Michael Foods’ Wakefield, Nebraska facility and purchased by food distributors and manufacturers in 34 states and labeled under the following six brand names: Columbia Valley Farms, GFS, Glenview Farms, Papetti’s, Silverbrook, and Wholesome Farms. Michael Foods can be reached, toll-free, at 1.877.367.3447, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST).
The recall was initiated after laboratory testing revealed that some eggs within the recalled lot dates may have been tainted with Listeria monocytogenes. A Michael Foods’ investigation found that a specific repair project in its packaging room is the likely source of the contamination.
The Listeria monocytogenes pathogen can lead to the listeriosis infection, which is potentially fatal and can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, abdominal cramps and pain, diarrhea, and nausea, especially in those with weakened immune systems, infants, and the elderly. Vulnerable populations, such as the developing fetus, can suffer serious central nervous system problems. The infection can also prompt premature births, or the death of the fetus via miscarriage and stillbirth; pregnant women are 20 times likelier to become infected. Listeriosis can lead to hearing loss or brain damage in newborns, and can lead to neurological effects and cardio respiratory failure in adults.
