Canadian Company Recalls Salamis for Potential E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 1999--Fleetwood Sausage Co., a Canadian meat processing company, is voluntarily recalling salamis that may be contaminated with the harmful bacteria E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

Fleetwood Sausage Co. is recalling all Schneiders salami products that are in the U.S. marketplace. Products are pre-sliced, packaged in: 5 ounce packages, 6 - 8 ounce packages, and 2.8 - 3.2 pounds random weight packages. Half salamis (4 pieces per case) that weigh 2.3 - 2.5 pounds each, or 9.5 pounds per case, are also being recalled. All salami packages bear the Canadian establishment number 592. This action is being taken in light of illnesses associated with products produced by Fleetwood Sausage Co. in British Columbia and subsequent tests on Fleetwood products.

Approximately 13,000 pounds of the products subject to the recall have been imported into the United States and distributed in Seattle, Northern California, Alabama, and Florida.

Consumers should not consume the Schneiders salami, and should return it to the point of purchase for a refund.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.

"Because of the potential hazard of foodborne illness from consumption of meat products contaminated with harmful pathogens, we urge consumers who have purchased the suspect product not to eat it," said Thomas J. Billy, FSIS administrator. "USDA is informing the public so consumers who may have purchased and stored product can know to check," Billy said.

Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician immediately.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Jeff Parker, Fleetwood Sausage Co., (604) 576-1191.

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.

#

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

NOTE TO EDITORS: Media inquiries may also be directed to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Teresa Morton, (604) 666-4427 ext. 227. Pager: (604) 209-3269.