| TO: | DDS Regional Directors, STS Director, CTH Coordinators, Private Providers, CO Quality Management Personnel |
| FROM: | Daniel A. Micari, Director, Quality Management Services |
| DATE: | July 12, 2012 |
| RE: | UPDATED FOOD RECALL ADVISORY: Various Frozen, Ready- To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due To Potential Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination |
Updated Food Recall Advisory
On July 10, 2012 the CT Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section reported that Buona Vita, Inc., a Bridgeton, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 324,770 pounds of various frozen, ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The problem was discovered through microbiological testing by FSIS and the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). FSIS, ODA, and the company have not received reports of illnesses due to consumption of these products. The recalled products were shipped to wholesale distributors in CT.
The following is an UPDATE to the above food recall advisory - On July 11, 2012 the CT Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section issued an updated food recall announcement regarding various frozen, ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that although rare, can cause serious illness and death, especially in highly susceptible populations.
Attached is a distribution list that was provided by Napoli Foods, a distributor of some of the products in Connecticut. Reportedly, customers are being contacted by the firm, however due to the large number of products, this list is being provided to local health departments to assist consumers and food operators in the identification and removal of the recalled products dates.
Also attached is a list of schools that received the product from another CT distributor, M & R Frosted Foods. This information is being shared with the CT Department of Education who will provide the list directly to their schools. Although many schools are closed and may have already used the product, some may be operating as part of the Summer Food Program and have product in freezers.
For further information, please view the attached PDF document.
Please ensure those responsible are aware of this food recall advisory. Also review your supplies to determine whether or not the identified products are present. If the identified products are present, address appropriately.