New York Firm Recalls Chicken Products for Possible Listeria Contamination

WASHINGTON — The Really Cool Food Company, a Syosset, N.Y.-based, firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 140 pounds of chicken products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The following products are subject to recall:

• 12-ounce trays of "STOP & SHOP All Natural Grilled Balsamic Flavored Chicken Breast, ALL-NATURAL CHEF PREPARED READY-TO-HEAT MEALS." Each label bears the establishment number "P-33912" inside the USDA mark of inspection and a "Sell-by" date of "6/12/07."

The chicken products were produced May 24, and were distributed to retail establishments in New Jersey and New York.

The problem was discovered through routine FSIS microbiological testing. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products.

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