Listeria monocytogenes In Wisconsin Bacon Bits

January 6, 2009

Patrick Cudahy (Cudahy, WI) has recalled 3,590 pounds of bacon bit products after a customer who received a shipment of bacon bits found Listeria monocytogenes in a sample.

The following two items have been recalled:

• 10-pound cases of "Golden Crisp APPLEWOOD SMOKED PRECOOKED BACON TOPPINGS." The products bear the establishment number "EST. 28" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a printed Julian date of "8318."
  
• 10-pound cases of "John Morrell APPLEWOOD SMOKED PRECOOKED BACON TOPPINGS." The products bear the establishment number "EST. 28" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a printed Julian date of "8318."
  

The bacon bits were distributed to restaurants and institutional customers in California, Colorado, Florida, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin. The recalled items were not sold in stores.

While no illnesses have been reported, Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe illness in the elderly, the very young, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. Anyone in these at-risk population groups who begins to experience symptoms of listeriosis should seek immediate medical advice.

Customers who have questions about this recall should contact Mike Reitz, Cuhady's Director of Customer Service, at (414) 744-2000.