WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Washington-based Trans-Ocean Products Inc. is recalling certain lots of 4 ounce 'transOCEAN Wild Alaska Sockeye Smoked Salmon' as they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses have been reported to date, however, the company as well as FDA are investigating the issue.
According to the company, the recalled product come with lot numbers 1280W & 1293W, and is packed in white and green plastic pouch. The product was distributed to four supermarket chains in six states: Demoulas Marketbasket in Massachusetts and New Hampshire; Giant Eagle in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and Ohio.
Trans-Ocean said the potential for contamination was reported to it by the manufacturer of the product and subsequently, distribution of the product were suspended.
Listeria monocytogenes is a life threatening bacteria, and consuming food contaminated with the bacteria can result in a disease called listeriosis, a potentially fatal disease in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. The symptoms of listeriosis include, fever, muscle aches, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea.
Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Listeria has a mortality rate of greater than 25 percent and has been found in uncooked meats, uncooked vegetables, raw fruits, unpasteurized milk, foods made from unpasteurized milk, and processed foods.
The recent spread of listeriosis, probably from Cantaloupes, has impacted more than 100 people over a wide geographic area in the U.S. The outbreak has taken the lives of at least 25 people until date.
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© 2011 AFX News
