The affected meatballs were shipped by Rich’s Products Corp. to the following states: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
Due to the fact that the frozen meatballs have a shelf life on par with McDonald’s french fries and Twinkies (half-life +- 5,000 years), health officials are urging consumers to check any Member’s Mark brand meatballs they have on hand.
“FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers,” according to a recall notice issued Wednesday by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). “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.”
Affected products can be identified with the following information:
- “Member’s Mark Casa Di Bertacchi Italian Style Beef Meatballs” in 6-pound plastic bags;
- “Best if Used By 17 DEC 2018” date code;
- Lot code of 15507351; and
- Establishment number “EST. 5336” printed inside the USDA mark of inspection.
Infection with Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, a condition that affects about 1,600 people each year in the U.S. — including 260 people who die from it — according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable to infection.
Signs and symptoms of listeriosis include:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
In pregnant women, symptoms may include:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
Infection of the infant
Source: Miami Herald
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