Fazio Frozen Meatballs Recall Issued Due to Listeria Risk

A recall has been issued for roughly 123 pounds of frozen Fazio’s Meatballs after tests by government health officials confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogens, which could pose a risk of severe adverse health consequences, including death.   

The Fazio Frozen meatball recall was announced by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on May 2, after a routine random sampling identified the presence of bacteria that may cause listeriosis food poisoning.

Although no reports of illnesses have been reported in relation to the recalled meatballs, government health officials have categorized the action as a Class I recall, indicating there is a increased probability that the use or consumption of this product may cause serious or adverse health consequences including death. Exposure to Listeria monocytogens could pose a particularly severe risk for those with a weak immune system, the very young, elderly or pregnant woman.

The recall consists of frozen Fazio’s Meatballs sold in 15 ounce packages with a lot code of “041114” and establishment number “EST. 13051”. The recalled lot code and establishment number can be located on the USDA mark of inspection on the packaging.

The recalled meatballs were produced by P.E. & F. Inc. of St. Louis, Missouri on April 11, 2013 and distributed to retailers located only in the St. Louis area.

The FSIS announced that the manufacturer did not hold the product during the routine random sampling pending the result of the inspection.

About 2,500 cases of Listeriosis are reported in the United States every year, according to federal health officials, with about 500 cases typically result in death each year. Pregnant women are 20 times more likely and AIDS patients are 300 times more likely to be affected than healthy adults.

Symptoms of Listeriosis may include nausea, muscle ache, diarrhea, fever, and fatigue. In severe cases, the infection could spread through the bloodstream to the nervous system.

Consumers with food safety questions can visit the FSIS virtual representative at askkaren.com or contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 for further information.