April 13, 2001 — CLINTON, OK — More then 14.5 million pounds of meat and poultry products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes has been recalled.

Bar-S Foods Co. recalled the products, which include lunch meats, whole hams, sausages, hot dogs and corn dogs, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Brand names for the recalled products are: Bar-S; Bar-S Extra Lean; Coronado; Chuck Wagon; E-Z Carve, and: Thrifty.

“Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we urge consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers to see if they have purchased any of these products,” said Thomas J. Billy, FSIS administrator. “If they find the recalled products, consumers should not eat them, but return them to the point of purchase. Consumers may also wish to ask delis and restaurants they patronize if they purchased products that are subject to the recall.”

The bacteria was found in a sample of sliced ham taken from the plant on March 19. The products were sent to retail stores, delis and other outlets in the U.S., Japan, Korea, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the South Pacific.

Listeria monocytogenes can lead to listeriosis which can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, as well as miscarriages and stillbirths, according to the USDA