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Food Safety Works Colorado State University Extension
SafeFood Rapid Response Network

SAFEFOOD NEWS - Winter/Spring 1999 - Vol 3 / No. 2

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Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis

Between August 1998 and February 1999, there were 22 states (Colorado included) affected by an outbreak of a rare form of Listeria monocytogenes. At least 100 illnesses were reported, and of those, 21 ended in death (15 adults and 6 stillbirths or miscarriages).

The culprit was identified as hot dogs and possibly deli meats produced by Bil Mar Foods. Once products were recalled in late December, reports of illnesses began to subside. Still, consumers could have these products stored in their freezers; therefore, it's important to know which products were recalled.

Recalled products have the establishment numbers EST P261 or EST 6911. This number is located on the outer edge of all packages. Brand names include Ball Park, Bil Mar, Bryan Bunsize, Bryan 3-lb. Club Pack, Grillmaster, Hygrade, Mr. Turkey, Sara Lee Deli Meat, and Sara Lee Home Roast brands. Consumers should return recalled product to the point of purchase. Consumers who have questions about the recall or the products involved should contact Bil Mar Foods at (800) 247-8339.

In response to this multi-state outbreak, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced, in May 1999, its action plan for addressing Listeria monocytogenes. The plan includes both near-term and long-term initiatives.

The three near-term initiatives include:

  1. FSIS will publish a notice requiring plants producing ready-to-eat meat and poultry products to reassess their HACCP plans to ensure they are adequately addressing L. monocytogenes.
  2. FSIS will provide guidance to the industry on practices that have been used successfully by other meat and poultry establishments to prevent the occurrence of L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat products.
  3. FSIS will carry out educational efforts targeted to those individuals who are at an increased risk of developing listeriosis.

The four long-term initiatives include:

  1. FSIS is drafting a protocol to study the post-production growth of L. monocytogenes in a wide variety of ready-to-eat products, the USDA's Agricultural Research Service will be asked to conduct the study.
  2. FSIS will develop an in-depth verification protocol to evaluate whether plants producing ready-to-eat products have reassessed their HACCP plans.
  3. FSIS is working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct a risk assessment for L. monocytogenes.
  4. FSIS will develop performance standards for ready-to-eat products that will address the need to control all pathogens, including L. moncytogenes, in these products.

Sources: 1) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Vol. 47, January 8, 1999. 2) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Vol. 47, December 25, 1998. 3) FSIS Action Plan for Addressing Listeria monocytogenes, Backgrounders, May 1999, FSIS, USDA. 4) Update: Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis, CDC, Division of Media Relation. March 17, 1999.

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Updated Monday, August 29, 2011