Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: February 2, 1999
CONTACT: Ernest Julian, DOH Office of Food Protection (401) 222-3430, ext. 2429

Health Department Advises of USDA Recall of More Bil Mar Foods

Dr. Patricia A. Nolan, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, is advising Rhode Islanders to check their refrigerators and be on the lookout for possible contaminated food.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recalled certain foods produced by Bil Mar Foods, because of potential health risk. The foods are hot dogs and other packaged meats identified with "EST P-261" or "EST 6911" on the package, and "sell by" dates before February 25, 1999. This new recall includes products in addition to those Bil Mar foods that were recalled in December, 1998.

"If you have purchased any of these products, take them back to the store for a refund," said Dr. Nolan. The products: Ball Park, Bil Mar, Bryan Bunsize and Bryan 3-lb. Club Pack hot dogs, Grillmaster, Hygrade, Mr. Turkey, Sara Lee Deli Meat, Sara Lee Home Roast brands, Gordon Food Service (GFS), Monarch, and Allen's Pride retail brands. Also recalled are various food service product brands labeled with EST P-261 or EST 6911.

Food inspections conducted on these products by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service showed possible contamination with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue investigation of an outbreak of Listeriosis, a disease responsible for 75 illnesses and 15 deaths in 16 states (Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, and West Virginia).

The Department of Health notified the major Rhode Island food chains of the recall, said Dr. Nolan. It has asked the manufacturer to identify foods distributed in Rhode Island, and will order any food vendor in receipt of suspect food to pull it from the shelves. The Department's food inspectors are advising of the recalled products during their ongoing inspections.

Listeriosis is an infection affecting primarily pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems. Consumers can reduce the risk of Listeriosis by thoroughly cooking meat, washing raw vegetables thoroughly before eating, using only milk that has been pasteurized, and washing hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods.

The Department maintains a list of recalled products on its website, www.health.state.ri.us. It will list additional recalls of products and brands as they are made known.

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Department of Health Website: www.health.state.ri.us