Largest Meat Recall-_WARNING

Wampler Foods has recalled all cooked deli products made since May at a suburban plant and halted production because the meat is possibly contaminated with listeria, authorities said Sunday. The recall of about 27.4 million pounds of meat is the largest in USDA history. It follows an Oct. 9 recall of 295,000 pounds of turkey and chicken products at the plant in Franconia.

The company voluntarily expanded the recall to all cooked deli products made from May 1 through Oct. 11 and halted production Saturday at the facility in Franconia, Pa., about 25 miles north of Philadelphia after receiving test results of samples taken from floor drains.

``We want consumers to be aware of the recall because of the potential for foodborne illness,'' said Dr. Garry L. McKee, the Agriculture Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service administrator. ``Diners may also wish to ask if their meals contain the recalled products.''

The national recall is the largest in the history of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, inspection service spokesman Steven Cohen said.

Each package being recalled bears the plant number P-1351 inside the USDA mark of inspection and a production date. Wampler officials said the recall didn't include fresh turkeys and that it should have no effect on the holiday season.

The discovery was the result of a scientific investigation into the cause of illnesses, deaths and miscarriages in the Northeast from the listeria strain, the federal agency said.

LISTERIA FACTS Get the latest updates, facts and research on listeria from the government:

Gov't. Press Release On Wampler Recall

Foodbourne Illness FAQ

Listeria Fact Center No Wampler's products have been linked to that outbreak, said David Van Hoose, Wampler's chief executive officer.

At least 120 illnesses and 20 deaths were caused by listeria in eight Northeast states since last summer. The genetic strain that caused those illnesses is different than the strain found at the plant, officials said.

``We don't have any scientific evidence at this point that there is a connection, but our analysis of sampling in that plant is not complete,'' Cohen said.

The deli products were sold to consumers in retail groceries, delicatessens and food service distributors under the Wampler Foods and select private labels. Company officials said consumers who had cooked meats produced during the recall period should return the meats to where they were purchased.

Listeria can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea, according to the USDA. It can be fatal in young children, the elderly and people with weak immune systems and can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.

Van Hoose said plant workers will receive training and the plant will be cleaned before production resumes.

The meat being recalled makes up roughly 6 percent of the company's total turkey production, he said. The company didn't say how much revenue it would lose as a result of the shutdown.

Consumers with questions can call the company at toll-free at 877-260-7110 or the USDA Meat and Poultry hotline at 800-535-4555.

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