200,000 POUNDS Of Pepperoni & Ham Recalled For Possible Harmful Bacteria!

A huge amount of pepperoni and cooked ham products have been recalled for possible contamination. And...it's just ruined our day!

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) over 200,000 pounds of the precious products are being recalled for possible contamination of the harmful bacteria "listeria." The governmental organization listed 17 different products affected by the recall, including the various dates they were produced and retail locations nationwide.

The recall targeted Alexander & Hornung, a business unit of Perdue Premium Meat Company, Inc., who issued the recall after being notified by the health officials that "product sampling reported positive listeria monocytogenes results."

The company issued a statement following the recall, saying, “We are committed to producing the highest quality product, therefore, out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to recall a limited amount of further processed items."

It should be noted, there have NOT been any reports or issues of sickness associated with the recalled meats, but everyone is proceeding with caution. However, FSIS is warning customers of the problems with this type of bacteria, saying, "food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns." Adding, "serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with the weakened immune system."

According to FSIS, symptoms of listeriosis can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions which can be followed by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms."

If you are like the rest of us, you can take a look at the products and their recall schedule...HERE.

At this point, the recalled amount of pork is approximately 234,391 pounds. So, the government wants to make sure the products aren't sitting in someone's refrigerator, and are hoping they might see the news stories. "FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers," the health regulatory agency said. Adding,"These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1,600 people contract listeriosis each year in the United States, and about 260 die from the infection. The federal agency estimates that it is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses.

"Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider," FSIS concluded. The company says if anyone has questions to contact them on 1-866-866-3703.