Deli Meat Recall Issued Due to Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination

Nearly 470,000 pounds of various deli meat products sold under Manda, Four Star and other brand name labels have been recalled due to possible contamination with Listeria Monocytogenes, which may pose a serious health risk for consumers.. 

A Manda Packing Company deli meats recall was announced by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on April 12, after a random sample of roast beef tested positive for listeria contamination.

While no injuries or illnesses have been reported in connection with contaminated meats and poultry products, Listeria Monocytogenes bacteria may pose a serious food poisoning risk, potentially leading to listeriosis, which is fatal in about one-in-four cases of infection.

The recall includes roast beef, ham, turkey breast, Tasso pork, ham shanks, hog head cheese, corned beef, and pastrami distributed by Manda Packaging Company of Baker, Louisiana. The recalled deli meats were distributed to various retail stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

The recalled meats were all packaged in various sizes and labeled with the following “Sell by” dates and establishment (EST) codes; Roast beef products have “Sell By” date May 13-June 22, 2013 and “Est.” code 8746A, Ham products have “Sell by” dates May 13-July 1, 2013 and “Est.” code 8746A, Turkey products have “Sell by” dates May 13-June 22, 2013 with “Est.” code P-8746A, Corned Beef products have “Sell by” dates May 13-June 22, 2013 with “Est.” code 8746A, Pastrami products have “Sell by” dates May 13-June 22, 2013 with “Est.” code 8746A, Hog Head Cheese products have a “Sell by “ date of May 13-June 22, 2013 with “Est.” code 8746A, Tasso Pork products have “Sell by” dates May 13-July 2, 2013 with “Est.” code 8746A, and Ham Shank products have “Sell by” dates May 13-June 9, 2013 with “Est.” code 8746A.

All of the “Sell by” dates and “Est.” codes can be located on the packaging inside of the USDA mark of 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. Those with weak immune systems, the very young, elderly or pregnant woman face the greatest risk of listeriosis from consumption of food contaminated with Listeria.

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

Consumer have been advised to check their deli products immediately for the recalled “Sell by” dates and “Est.” codes to verify if the product may be contaminated. Consumers with food safety questions may also call 1-888-674-6854 to speak with the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline or visit the website AskKaren.gov 24 hour a day live chat session to answer questions.