990320 Sara Lee Subsidiary Meat Packer Resumes Processing

Grand Rapids, MI - A Sara Lee Corp. subsidiary linked to a deadly bacteria outbreak resumed deli-meat processing this week using what it calls unprecedented safety measures.

Investigators at the southwestern Michigan plant haven't yet pinpointed the source of the Listeria contamination, which prompted Sara Lee to recall 15 million pounds of meat in December. The outbreak has been tied to 14 deaths and six miscarriages in 22 states.

Sara Lee spokesman Jeffrey Smith said the company has implemented new steps to ensure that its “Premium Turkey Breast” produced at the Bil Mar Foods division is safe.

“We believe we are taking unprecedented steps,” including an intensified program checking contact surfaces for pathogens, as well as enhanced training,” Smith said.

Federal meat inspectors and food safety experts are on hand to make sure the plant's safety procedures are being followed and are working, said Beth Gaston, a spokeswoman for the Department of Agriculture.

If the turkey breast passes federal inspection, it could be back at deli counters by the middle of March.

Processing at the plant began Monday, and Smith said the plant hopes to add ham and roast beef products next week.

The restart does not apply to sliced luncheon meat or hot dogs. Those products will be made at other plants while Sara Lee reconfigures production lines.

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