July 6, 2001 — WASHINGTON, DC — Jim S. Market & Locker, Inc., a Harlan, Iowa, firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 70 pounds of cooked smoked ham that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The product subject to recall is “BONELESS HICKORY SMOKED FULLY COOKED HAM” packaged in 4-ounce, 8-ounce, and 5-pound packages. The packages have a product code of “P-1144” and bear the establishment number “EST.2424” inside the USDA seal of inspection.

The ham was sliced and packaged on June 27, and was distributed to grocery-delivery outlets in Omaha, Neb., and Milwaukee, Wis.

“Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we want consumers to be aware of the recall,” said Margaret O’K. Glavin, FSIS acting administrator.

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 system — infants, the frail or elderly, and persons with chronic disease, with HIV infection, or taking chemotheraphy.

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

Consumers or media with questions about the recall may contact Jim Goeser, owner and president of Jim S. Market & Locker, Inc., at 712-755-5158.

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.