WACO, TX — Nearly 17 million pounds of ready-to-eat turkey products were voluntarily recalled by Cargill Turkey Products this week because of possible Listeria contamination.

The products were produced between May 1 and December 11 and distributed across the US, Iceland and Venezuela through grocery stores, restaurants and other institutions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture are studying whether some of the products from the Waco facility could contain Listeria monocytogenes, linked to25 cases of listeriosis which have occurred over the past several months.

“Even though the CDC and FSIS’s study isn’t completed, the preliminary results convinced us that it was in the best interest of consumers and our customers to voluntarily initiate this recall,” said John O’Carroll, president of Cargill Turkey Products.

Symptoms of listeriosis, a potentially fatal disease, are high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. It can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths as well as serious infections in those with weak immunes systems.

Consumers with questions about the recall can call Cargill Turkey Products at 888-621-2717 or visit the website at www.plantation-foods.com.

–Jeff VanPelt