Reser’s Fine Foods recalled 22,800 products on 22 October, but has now expanded the recall to include all chicken, ham and beef products produced at its Topeka, Kansas plant between 5 September and 9 October 2013.
The US Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said the contamination was originally identified through microbiological testing by the Canadian Food Inspection Service.
“A traceback investigation and follow-up testing by FDA at the facility determined there was potential cross-contamination of products with Listeria monocytogenes from product contact surfaces,” it said in a statement.
“Upon further review, the company determined that products produced on additional dates should be recalled. FSIS and the company have not received reports of illnesses due to consumption of these products.”
It added that, until now, no illnesses had been linked to consumption of the products, and stressed that the recall did not affect any of Reser’s facilities or products.
Reser’s Fine Foods president, Mark Reser, stressed that the company was acting “with speed”, focusing on plant sanitation and increased testing while it continued to investigate the source of the contamination.
“Food safety has been and will always be our number one priority. Your trusthas built our company and we are committed to resolving this issue and maintaining that trust,” he said in a statement on the company’s website.
Imported salami
Meanwhile, another US meat company has recalled around 15,000 pounds of salami products that were not presented for import re-inspection. The FSIS said the products had been shipped to distributors in Arizona and California for distribution to retailers.
“FSIS import inspection staff and the import house discovered the problem when the shipment was not presented for re-inspection as scheduled. FSIS and the company have not received reports of illnesses due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider,” it said.