City Foods Inc. of Chicago, IL, is recalling 3,215 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pastrami and corned beef productsthat may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
The RTE pastrami and corned beef products were produced on July 16 and have a 60-day shelf life. FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators and freezers, along with institution refrigerators and freezers. Consumers and institutions who have purchased these products are urged not to consume or serve them.
The following products are subject to recall:
- 10-lb. cardboard boxes containing 2- to 5-lb. pieces of “Midamar Premium Beef Pastrami” with case code “19410” printed on the box label.
- Various weight 20- to 30-lb. cardboard boxes containing 2-3 pieces of “BEA’S BEST COOKED CORNED BEEF BRISKET” with case code “18919” printed on the box label.
- Various weight 20- to 30-lb. cardboard boxes containing 2-3 pieces of “KIRSCH DELICATESSEN STYLE COOKED CORNED BEEF BRISKET” with case code “19751” printed on the box label.
The products have establishment number “EST. 1896” printed inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to foodservice locations in Illinois, Iowa and Michigan, from which they were further distributed nationwide.
The problem was discovered during routine inspection activities.
There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about illness should contact a healthcare provider.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look, smell or taste spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
