Minnesota Company Recalls Ham Due to Concerns of Listeria Contamination
Apr 19, 2010 Food Poisoning
A Minnesota-based company, Lorentz Meats, has recalled ham due to the possibility of Listeria food poisoning contamination. This ham was produced in mid-March and distributed to various retail locations throughout St. Paul and Minneapolis. According to the FSIS, this ham recall is a Class I, meaning there is a “reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.”
The products included in this recall are whole and half ham packages with labels that read “KOWALSKI’S Markets, FULLY COOKED, SMOKED HAM, Naturally Smoked with Hardwoods, KEEP REFRIGERATED.” The freeze-by dates on these products is 5/14/10, and include a USDA inspection mark of “Est. 21207.”
Lorentz Meats believe they have isolated all of the products included in the recall. As a precautionary measure, they are initiating this recall on all Signature Smoked hams that include a sell by date of 4/23/10 to 5/22/10 until all lots produced at the facility are tested thoroughly.
The problem was discovered through third-party testing, in which the FSIS was notified by Lorentz Meats. So far, there have been no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product.
Any questions from the media or consumers concerning this recall should contact Owner/Chief Financial Officer Mike Lorentz (612) 490-1827.
If you believe you may have become ill with listeriosis through foods that are Listeria contaminated:
1. See your doctor, and ask to be tested for Listeriosis.
2. Do not eat any more of a food that you believe made you ill.
3. If you still have the food you believe is the culprit, do not throw it away. It could be evidence for a Listeria food poisoning lawsuit.
4. Report your illness to your state health department, who can determine if your illness is part of a larger outbreak. This helps officials know how large an outbreak is, so that they can take appropriate action to remove foods that are possibly contaminated from store shelves. These steps help prevent illness from spreading.
Listeriosis may be serious in those most at risk, which include young children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems. Serious complications and even death can result.
Leave a Reply