000606 Bacteria Scare Prompts Hot Dog Recall

New York - Over 15,000 pounds of pork and beef franks sold in seven states are being recalled due to concerns that they may have been contaminated with Listeria bacteria.

Infection with the Listeria monocytogenes can lead to listeriosis, a potentially deadly illness characterized by high fever, nausea and stiff neck. Listeriosis is usually not a danger in healthy individuals, but can be fatal to infants, the elderly, and those with impaired immune systems. The infection can also trigger miscarriage in pregnant women.

According to the US Department of Agriculture, the products in question were produced on May 4th by the Greensboro, North Carolina-based Curtis Packing Co., and shipped to stores in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida. They include:

-- 12-ounce packages of “Curtis” franks, made with pork and beef.

-- 1-pound packages of “Beef Master” beef franks.

Labeling on all of recalled products includes a 'sell-by' date reading “JULO3”. Packaging also includes the inscription “Est.2642,” found within the USDA seal of inspection.

“Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we urge consumers who have purchased the suspect products not to eat them, but to return them to the point of purchase,” said Margaret O'K. Glavin, associate administrator at the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service, in Washington, DC.

The USDA stresses that there have been no reports of actual illness associated with consumption of the hot dogs so far. Health officials were first altered to possible Listeria contamination after routine tests conducted by inspectors at the Georgia Department of Agriculture came up positive for the bacteria.

Listeria contamination of mass-marketed meats has come under federal scrutiny in recent weeks. As reported earlier this month, President Clinton has proposed that food manufacturers test hot dogs, lunch meats, and other prepared foods for Listeria.

Foodborne infection with the bacteria has forced dozens of food recalls in recent years. The bacteria were responsible for one 1998 US outbreak blamed for 21 deaths and more than 100 illnesses in 22 states.

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