In yet another recall over contaminated food, R. L. Zeigler Co., Inc., in Selma, Alabama, is recalling approximately 28,610 pounds of hot dog products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, said the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today. The following products are involved:
- “ZEIGLER WIENERS MADE WITH CHICKEN AND PORK, ARTIFICIALLY COLORED”: 12-ounce packages, with each package bearing the use-by date of “Nov. 26, 2008″ and establishment number “P-9156S” within the USDA mark of inspection.
- “VACUUM PACKED PAR-TI PUPS”: 12-ounce packages, with each package bearing the use-by date of “Nov. 26, 2008″ and establishment number “P-9156S” within the USDA mark of inspection.
- “ZEIGLER Original Recipe WIENERS, artificially colored”: 12-ounce packages, with each package bearing the use-by date of “Nov. 26, 2008″ and establishment number “EST. 9156S” within the USDA mark of inspection.
- “Zeigler Jumbo Franks”: 16-ounce packages, with each package bearing the use-by date of “Nov. 21, 2008″ and establishment number “P-9156S” within the USDA mark of inspection.
- “Zeigler Hot Dogs”: 12-ounce packages, with each package bearing the use-by date of “Nov. 26, 2008″ and establishment number “P-9156S” within the USDA mark of inspection.
- “SKINLESS WIENERS, 8 WIENERS PER LB”: 10-pound bulk boxes, with each box bearing package code “PK 092208A” and establishment number “EST. 9156S” within the USDA mark of inspection.
- “SKINLESS WIENERS, ARTIFICIALLY COLORED, 10 WIENERS PER LB”: 10-pound bulk boxes, each box bearing package code “PK 092208A” and establishment number “EST. 9156S” within the USDA mark of inspection.
- “SKINLESS WIENERS, 10 WIENERS PER LB”: 10-pound bulk boxes, each bearing package code “PK 092208A” and establishment number “EST. 9156S” within the USDA mark of inspection.
- “SKINLESS WIENERS, 12 WIENERS PER LB”: 10-pound bulk boxes, each bearing package code “PK 092208A” and establishment number “EST. 9156S” within the USDA mark of inspection.
All of the hot dog products were produced on September 22 and sent to food service institutions and retail establishments in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The Georgia State Department of Agriculture discovered the problem through microbiological testing.
Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease that can be particularly dangerous in those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. Listeriosis can spread to the nervous system, resulting in high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, confusion, and convulsions.
Among other things, consumers are advised to wash hands with warm, soapy water before and after handling raw meat and poultry for at least 20 seconds. Also, wash cutting boards, dishes, and utensils with hot, soapy water and immediately clean spills. Raw meat, fish, and poultry should be segregated from food that will not be cooked and separate cutting boards should be used for raw meat, poultry, and egg products and cooked foods. Do not eat hot dogs, luncheon meats, bologna or other deli meats unless reheated until steaming hot. Listeria can grow in the refrigerator; the refrigerator should be 40 °F or lower and the freezer 0 °F or lower. An appliance thermometer can confirm a refrigerator’s temperature.
