Over 200,000 pounds of fully cooked ham and pepperoni products have been removed from the market, as a listeria infection can turn deadly. The biggest outbreak in the U.S. happened in 2011. Contaminated cantaloupes linked to Jensen Farms of Holly in Colorado led to 28 states being affected. While the latest possible contamination isn’t as substantial, it can still have devastating consequences if the products are consumed. Read on to see which foods are being recalled and what you should do next.
Here’s the backstory
The food recall kicked into gear when Alexander & Hornung notified the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) about the contamination. The company, part of Perdue Premium Meat, collected routine testing samples, producing a positive result for listeria monocytogenes. The products being recalled are:
Wellshire Wood Smoked No Carving Required Spiral Sliced All-Natural Semi-Boneless Cooked Seasoned Uncured HamWellshire Wood Smoked Semi-Boneless All-Natural Cooked Seasoned Uncured Ham
Alexander & Hornung Spiral Sliced Smoked Ham with Natural JuicesAlexander & Hornung Glazed Fully Cooked Spiral Sliced Honey Ham with Natural Juices Ready to EatFood Club Fully Cooked Spiral Sliced Ham with Natural Juices Honey CuredAlexander & Hornung Boneless Ham Water Added Fully CookedAlexander & Hornung Super Trim Bone-In Ham SteakGarrett Valley Farms All-Natural Spiral Sliced Uncured Ham Fully Cooked Semi-Boneless
Butcher Boy Boneless Fully Cooked Ham Water AddedNiman Ranch All-Natural Applewood Smoked Uncured HamOpen Nature Spiral Sliced Seasoned Uncured Ham Semi-Boneless CookedFive Star Brand PepperoniBig Y Bone-In Hickory Smoked Ham Steak
While there have been no confirmed reports of illness resulting from these products, it’s still good to know the symptoms to watch for. According to FSIS, listeriosis infection symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and/or diarrhea. You should always consult with a medical doctor if you suspect an illness.
What you can do about it
Any food product that has been the subject of a recall shouldn’t be consumed, even if it has been in the freezer. Now check your fridge for any of the recalled products. Go over the packaging labels and discard any items with a Plant Code of 10125. That code is specific to the plant where the tainted food has been tested. You can also return the food to the shop where you bought it. If you have any questions regarding this recall, you can contact the Alexander & Hornung Consumer Hotline at 1-866-866-3703.
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