Baltimore Firm Recalls Sausage For Possible Salmonella

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 1999 -- Paul Schafer Meat Products, Inc., a Baltimore, Md., meat processing firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 35 pounds of sausage 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 approximately one-pound packages of "Holsteiner Dry Sausage." The package labels have no sell-by date or code, but "EST 2673" appears within the USDA seal of inspection.

The product was produced on July 30, 1999, and was distributed only in the Baltimore area.

FSIS discovered the problem through its routine monitoring program for Salmonella. A sample was reported positive on Aug. 17, 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 after consumption of product. 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 and media with questions can call plant owner Harold Quaas at (410) 661-5252.

Consumers with questions about food safety may call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. 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