Listeria Recall Expanded

A New Jersey company is expanding a nationwide meat recall because of possible listeria contamination. The Agriculture Department says the recall is being expanded to 4.2 million pounds of chicken and turkey.

Jack Lambersky Poultry Co. is pulling the fresh and frozen ready-to-eat meat packaged between May 29 and Nov. 2.

The company, which does business as J.L. Foods, initially recalled 200,000 pounds of the meat early this month.

The products were distributed to stores and institutions across the country.

"Public health is our top priority," said Dr. Garry L. McKee, administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service. "Consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers for products involved in this recall and return them to the point of purchase."

The products from the earlier recall were found to be contaminated with a strain of listeria that was indistinguishable from that of the more than 50 outbreak victims in the Northeast.

Federal inspectors are investigating whether the J.L. Foods contamination is related to the outbreak, which killed seven people and caused three miscarriages.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact J.L. Foods' general manager, Kenneth Martin, at (800) 881-3250.

Consumers with other food safety questions can phone the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (800) 535-4555. The hot line is available in English and Spanish and can be reached Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST.

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