Listeria Contamination Sparks Crab Meat Recall in Four States

A recall has been issued for crab meat in four western states due to the potential for Listeria food poisoning. 

The crab meat recall was announced by FDA on September 16, after routine testing by Hallmark Fisheries detected Listeria monocytogenes in finished products sold under the Hallmark, Peacock, Quality Ocean International and Yaquina Bay labels. There have been no known cases of food poisoning related to the crab meat.

The recall affects Hallmark crab meat sold in California, Oregon, Nevada and Washington. The meat was sold in five pound cans, one pound vacuum packs, one pound plastic tubs and eight ounce plastic tubs under the brand names of Hallmark, Peacock, Quality Ocean International and Yaquina Bay. Each container will have one of the following codes on the top of the containers: CP 232 4A (A-H), CP 233 4A (A-F), CP 235 4A (A-F), CP 236 4A (A-G), CP 238 4A (A-H), CP 239 4A (A-C), CP 240 4A (A-B), CP 242 4A (A-C), CP 243 4A (A-H), and CP 244 4A (A-E). The meat was sold primarily to food service companies. 

Listeria infections, also known as listeriosis, pose a particular risk for children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. For pregnant women, illness from Listeria bacteria can cause miscarriages and still births. The fatality rate associated with listeriosis is about 25%.

Blood tests are usually required to diagnose Listeriosis, which can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of Listeriosis include muscle aches, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, severe headaches and fever. If the bacteria spreads from the intestines to the bloodstream and nervous system, it could cause meningitis and other complications.

Any companies who purchased recalled crab meat can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Photo Courtesy of Kitchen1000 via Wikipedia Public Domain