Guest guest Posted October 14, 2002 Report Share Posted October 14, 2002 Pilgrim's Pride Begins Record Meat Recall Mon Oct 14, 6:40 AM ET By Randy Fabi WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. poultry giant Pilgrim's Pride Corp. has launched the largest U.S. meat recall in history and halted production at a Pennsylvania plant because of possible contamination with listeria. AP Photo Pilgrim's Pride -- the second biggest U.S. poultry producer -- said in a statement it was recalling 27.4 million pounds of fresh and frozen ready-to-eat turkey and chicken products under the Wampler brand. The company said the recall occurred after environmental tests at its Franconia, Pennsylvania, plant found a strain of listeria similar to the one identified in an outbreak in the U.S. Northeast that has caused at least 23 deaths and 120 illnesses. "A strain with similar characteristics to the (Northeast) outbreak was found on the plant's floor drain, but it was never in contact with food," said Richard Cogdill, the company's chief financial officer. Cogdill said the recall was a "precautionary step" and no illnesses have been linked to meat produced by the Pittsburgh, Texas-based company. "We have no reason to believe our products are the cause of this," he added. The company said it voluntarily closed the meat processing plant about 25 miles north of Philadelphia. The recalled deli meat products were produced between May 1 and Oct. 11 and distributed nationwide. All products bear the establishment code "P-1351" inside the USDA mark of inspection. Pilgrim's Pride last week pulled 295,000 pounds of turkey and chicken products from the market due to listeria concerns. Eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, leading to miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as infections in those with weak immune systems. LISTERIA INVESTIGATION The USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (news - web sites) have been unable to pinpoint the source of the listeria outbreak in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Connecticut, Michigan and Massachusetts. But the CDC has suspected Faith Hill - Exclusive Performances, Videos, more faith. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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