Deli meats sold nationwide at Walmart recalled due to Listeria contamination

Listeria

At least 380,000 pounds of deli meats sold exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide have been recalled because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Zemco Industries, of Buffalo, N.Y., has identified these products subject to recall:

~ 25.5-pound cases of “Marketside Grab and Go Sandwiches BLACK FOREST HAM With Natural Juices Coated with Caramel Color” with the number 17800 1300.
~ 28.49-pound cases of “Marketside Grab and Go Sandwiches HOT HAM, HARD SALAMI, PEPPERONI, SANDWICH PEPPERS” with the number 17803 1300.
~ 32.67-pound cases of “Marketside Grab and Go Sandwiches VIRGINIA BRAND HAM With Natural Juices, MADE IN NEW YORK, FULLY COOKED BACON, SANDWICH PICKLES, SANDWICH PEPPERS” with the number 17804 1300.
~ 25.5-pound cases of “Marketside Grab and Go Sandwiches ANGUS ROAST BEEF Coated with Caramel Color” with the number 17805 1300.

The packages also bear vendor number “398412808″ and the USDA mark of inspection. The products were manufactured and packed between June 18 and July 2. The Use By dates on the packages range from Aug. 20 until Sept. 10, 2010, meaning many of these products are still available at the retail level, or could be in home refrigerators.

The USDA indicates the deli meat was sold to one national grocery chain, but did not identify that store as Walmart in its release. The agency’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has received no reports of any illnesses linked to any contaminated deli meats.

A sample of the recalled products were obtained at a Georgia retail location and tested by FSIS officials. Listeria contamination leads to Listeriosis poisoning, which can be fatal among the elderly, the very young or those with compromised immune systems. Listeria poisoning has been linked with stillbirths and miscarriages among pregnant women.

Less severe symptoms can often mimic those of other food-borne bacterial poisonings. Stomach ailments are often accompanied by severe diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration.