Foot-Long Subs Recalled For Possible Listeria Risk

Foot-long subs are being recalled for potential food poisoning risks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced. M.E. Thompson, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida, has recalled its Anytime Deli Turkey & Ham Sub Sandwich over concerns the sandwiches might be contaminated with the dangerous, sometimes deadly, Listeria monocytogenes pathogen.

The recalled Anytime Deli Turkey & Ham Sub Sandwich, which bear UPC 0543200194 and an expiration date of January 19th and January 22nd, were distributed on January 2nd and 3rd to convenience stores in Florida and South Georgia under the label Anytime Deli Turkey & Ham Footlong.

The recalled sandwich is packaged in white butcher wrap; the Best Buy date is located on the white press on a circular label. The UPC Code is located on the bottom of the product beneath the Ingredient and Nutrition Facts label.

To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall; however, as we’ve routinely explained, the Listeria pathogen is unique because it tends to thrive in colder temperatures, such as those found in refrigerated environments, and it also has an unusually long incubation period of up to 70 days, according to experts.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program conducted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which revealed that the finished sandwich products contained the Listeria bacteria.

The recalled sub sandwiches have been removed from store shelves; however, consumers who may have purchased the sandwich for later consumption are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. M.E. Thompson can be reached, toll-free, at 1.800.394.6258, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST).

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 also lead to hearing loss or brain damage in newborns, and can lead to neurological effects and cardio respiratory failure in adults.