Listeria contamination has prompted expansion of a sub sandwich recall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced.
M.E. Thompson, Inc. is expanding a recall of its Anytime Deli Turkey & Ham Footlong, to also include its Italian Footlong and its Classic Cuban, because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The original recall was issued on January 24, 2012.
The expanded recall now includes the following sub sandwich products and UPCs. The recalled sandwiches bear expiration dates from January 19th through May 2nd and lot numbers from 00112 through 10412:
- Turkey & Ham Footlong: UPC 0543200194
- Italian Footlong: UPC 0543200196
- Classic Cuban: UPC 0543200156
The sub sandwiches were distributed from January 2 through April 13 of this year to convenience and grocery stores, nationwide, under the labels “Anytime Deli,” “Sandwich Central,” and “Dandee.” All of the recalled sandwiches are packaged in white butcher wrap; the Best Buy date and/or the Lot Number are located on the white press-on circular label that should be found on the packaging. The UPC Code is located on the bottom of the product beneath the “Ingredient and Nutrition Facts” label.
This recall was the result of a routine sampling program conducted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which found that the finished products contained Listeria monocytogenes. No other finished products, since the original sampling, have been shown to contain Listeria.
The firm advises consumers who may have purchased a recalled sandwich for later consumption to return the potentially contaminated sandwich to the place of purchase for a full refund. M.E. Thomson, Inc. 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).
Although no confirmed illnesses have been reported, to date, it is important to bear in mind that the Listeria pathogen thrives in cold environments, such as refrigerators. The Listeria pathogen also has a fairly long incubation period; up to 70 days. Listeria also well tolerates heat and dry temperatures, adding further challenges to the pathogen’s eradication.
Listeria monocytogenes 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 also lead to neurological effects and cardio respiratory failure in adults.