July 6, 2001 — WASHINGTON, DC — Stampede Packing Co., a Kalispell, Mont., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 100 pounds of ready-to-eat bratwurst that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture?s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The products subject to recall are 1 lb. packages of “REDNECK SWISS BRAND BRATWURST.” The packages are marked with a package code of “252214,” and the labels bear “EST. 4940” inside the USDA seal of inspection.

The bratwurst was packaged on June 25, and distributed to retail establishments in Montana and Washington.

“Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we want consumers to be aware of the recall,” said Margaret O?K. Glavin, acting FSIS administrator. “If they find the recalled products, consumers should not eat them, but return them to the point of purchase.”

The problem was discovered through routine FSIS microbiological sampling.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weak immune systems–infants, the frail or elderly, and persons with chronic disease, with HIV infection, or taking chemotherapy.

FSIS has received no reports of illness associated with consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact T.S. Laurens, owner, Stampede Packing Co., at (406) 755-3377. Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday, and recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.