Meat Products Test Positive for Listeria in Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri: FSIS Investigation

Behrmann Meat and Processing Inc., of Albers, IL, is recalling 87,382 pounds of various ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced. 

The problem in the meat products was discovered through product and environmental testing performed by FSIS and the establishment, which identified Listeria monocytogenes in the processing environment and in products produced by the establishment.

FSIS is concerned that some meat products may currently be in consumers’ pantries, refrigerators, or freezers.

FSIS also expects there to be additional product labels added in the near future.

These items were shipped to retail locations and wholesale distributors in Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri.       

The various RTE meat items were produced from July 7, 2022, to Sept. 9, 2022. 

Recalled products

• The list of products and product codes for the RTE meat products that are subject to recall can be found here and includes all package sizes for all products with the affected lot codes.
• Available labels for the RTE meat products can be found here.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST 20917” inside the USDA mark of inspection.         

As of the posting of this recall, there have been no confirmed reports of illness or adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

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.

About Listeria infections

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

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product 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 people such as cancer patients who have 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.

Content and image courtesy of Food Safety News‘ News Desk on September 26, 2022.

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