Georgia Firm Recalls Hot Dogs Because Of Listeria Contamination

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 1999--Robbins Packing Company, a Statesboro, Ga., company, is voluntarily recalling approximately 1,000 pounds of its hot dogs that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

All 12-oz. packages of Robbins' Hot Dogs with code "DEC 28 99" on the label are being recalled. "P-7932" also appears inside the USDA seal of inspection. The product was distributed in the eastern portion of Ga. and in the Aiken, S.C., area.

"Because of the potential of foodborne illness, we urge consumers who have purchased the suspect product not to eat it and to return it to the point of purchase," said Thomas J. Billy, administrator of FSIS.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture discovered the contaminated product during a routine sampling program.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weak immune systems--infants, the frail or elderly, and persons with chronic disease, with HIV infection, or taking chemotherapy.

At this point, FSIS has received no reports of illness associated with this product. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician immediately.

Consumers with questions about the recalled product may phone Glen Brown, sales manager at Robbins Packing Company, at (912) 764-7503.

Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The Hotline can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday.

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