Public health alert for half hams over Listeria monocytogenes concerns

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a weekend public health advisory over concerns that ready-to-eat (RTE) ham products produced by Sunnyvalley Smoked Meats, a Manteca, CA establishment, may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. 

A recall was not requested because it is believed that the affected products are no longer in commerce.

The RTE ham products were produced on Sept. 25, 2023, for:

• 4-lb. (average weight) vacuum-packed clear plastic packages containing “Kirkland Signature Applewood Smoked MASTER CARVE HALF HAM Boneless With Natural Juices” with Use / Freeze by date Jan 20 24 and a sticker with lot number 264 – 4.

The products bear the establishment number “EST. 17823” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in California and Nevada.

The problem was discovered after the establishment’s laboratory testing indicated the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. 

The establishment notified FSIS that some affected product was distributed into commerce.

There have not yet been any confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

About Listeria infections

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause severe and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and cancer patients with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

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