Utah Firm Recalls Ham With Potential Salmonella

WASHINGTON, May 13, 1999 -- Hi-Grade Meats, Inc., a Salt Lake City, Ut., meat processing firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 300 pounds of ham that may be contaminated with Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The product subject to recall is "Hi-Grade Fully Cooked Ham with Natural Juices," in 8-ounce packages with a "sell-by" date of June 14, 1999. The packages also have an identifying code of 856, and bear "Est #4133" inside the USDA seal of inspection.

The product was produced on April 15, 1999, and was distributed in Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, and Colorado.

FSIS discovered the problem through its routine monitoring program for Salmonella. A sample was collected on May 6, and was reported positive on May 12, 1999.

Consumption of foods contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacteria foodborne illnesses. Salmonella infections can be life-threatening, especially for infants, the frail or elderly, and persons with chronic disease, HIV infection, or persons taking chemotherapy. The most common manifestations of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within eight to 72 hours. Additional symptoms may be chills, headache, nausea, and vomiting which can last up to seven days.

No illnesses associated with consumption of the recalled product have been reported to FSIS. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician immediately.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Kenneth Littmann, President of Hi-Grade Meats, Inc., or Randell Maxfield, Vice President, at (801) 487-5818.

Consumers with questions about food safety may call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at l-800-535-4555. The hotline is staffed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday, and recorded information is available 24 hours a day.

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NOTE: Access news releases, information on Salmonella and salmonellosis, and other information at the FSIS Web Site on the World Wide Web at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/