Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: February 2, 2005
CONTACT: Robert J. Marshall, Jr. Ph.D. (401) 222-1017

Food Recall Alert
Schreiber Processing Corporation Recalls “Empire Kosher” Chicken Products

Today, the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) alerted the public to a food recall from “Schreiber Processing Corporation”. The recall involves chicken possibly contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. HEALTH has found several boxes of this recalled chicken in Rhode Island. USDA reports that approximately 5,760 pounds of the product were distributed to retail food stores in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Ohio, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

The specific products and brands involved are:

• 48 oz. boxes of “EMPIRE KOSHER, Fully Cooked, BUFFALO STYLE WINGS, CHICKEN WINGS COATED IN SAUCE.” The package also bears the date code “1444.”
• 28 oz. boxes of “EMPIRE KOSHER, FULLY COOKED, BREADED, FRIED CHICKEN, 6 TO 9 ASSORTED PIECES.” The package also bears the date code “0274.”

All products bear the establishment number “P-787” inside the USDA seal of inspection.

Listeria can cause serious illness in the elderly and abortions in pregnant women. No illnesses have been reported to date. Consumers in possession of these products should return them to the place of purchase. Anyone who has consumed these products and experiences illness should seek medical advice from their regular health care provider.

For more information, go to http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fsis_Recalls/