Massive Meat Recall: 2.3 Million Pounds Pulled Over Health Concerns

Wooden blocks with "Product Recall" text.

Alexander & Hornung recalls over 2.3 million pounds of ham and pepperoni products due to potential Listeria contamination, raising concerns about consumer safety.

At a Glance

  • Alexander & Hornung, a unit of Perdue Premium Meat Company Inc., has issued a massive recall of fully cooked ham and pepperoni products.
  • The recall expanded from 234,391 pounds to over 2.3 million pounds due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
  • Affected products bear the establishment number “EST. M10125” and were shipped nationwide.
  • No illnesses have been reported, but consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and freezers.
  • High-risk groups include pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Massive Recall Issued for Ham and Pepperoni Products

In a significant food safety development, Alexander & Hornung, a St. Clair Shores, Michigan-based unit of Perdue Premium Meat Company Inc., has announced a recall of over 2.3 million pounds of fully cooked ham and pepperoni products. The recall was initiated due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacteria that can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has expressed concern that some of these products may still be present in consumers’ homes. The recall encompasses various production dates, with all affected items bearing the establishment number “EST. M10125” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were distributed to retail locations across the nation, potentially putting a large number of consumers at risk.

Health Risks and Precautions

Listeria monocytogenes is a particularly insidious pathogen, as symptoms can take up to 70 days to manifest. This extended incubation period makes it challenging to trace the source of infection and increases the risk of unknowing consumption of contaminated products. Symptoms of listeriosis include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness.

Certain groups are at higher risk for severe complications from Listeria infection. These include pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Pregnant women, in particular, may experience only mild symptoms, but the infection can lead to severe outcomes such as premature delivery or stillbirth.

Consumer Action and Company Response

While no confirmed reports of adverse reactions have been linked to the consumption of these products, the company and FSIS are taking a proactive approach to protect public health. Consumers who have purchased the recalled items are strongly urged not to consume them. Instead, these products should be either thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

The contamination was discovered through the company’s product sampling program, which yielded positive results for Listeria monocytogenes. This finding prompted the initial recall, which was subsequently expanded to its current scope of over 2.3 million pounds of product. The swift action taken by Alexander & Hornung demonstrates a commitment to consumer safety, albeit reactive to the discovery of potential contamination.

Consumers who are concerned about possible illness should contact their healthcare provider immediately. It is crucial to inform medical professionals about the consumption of potentially contaminated food, as this information can aid in proper diagnosis and treatment. Given the serious nature of listeriosis, particularly for high-risk individuals, prompt medical attention is essential if symptoms develop.

Sources:

Premium Meat Recalled, 2.3 Million Pounds

2.3 Million Pounds of Ham and Pepperoni Recalled due to Listeria Risk

Perdue Premium Meats Recall, Ham and Pepperoni Affected

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