Turkey Recall 2,600 lbs - Listeria Germ Potentially Fatal Says USDA

A turkey recall involving roughly 2,600 pounds of meat has been ordered due to the exposure of a potentially fatal germ.  The turkey recall this Thanksgiving involves the already cooked, ready-to-eat smoked breasts of turkey that could potentially harbor Listeria monocytogenes, that has inspectors worried.

The turkey recall is limited to a Texas-based processor of the savory meat sold in large supplies during the Thanksgiving holidays.  New Braunfels Smokehouse, based on an USDA inspection, was found to have the germ Listeria monocytogenes in 2,600 pounds of turkey meat.  As a precaution, the turkey recall was announced for safety concerns.

What is Listeria monocytogenes?

This condition is caused by a bacteria, usually from contaminated foods, like those in the New Braunfels Smokehouse turkey recall.  Although very rare among humans, the disease can impact infants, elderly, and those with a weakened or compromised ability to fight off disease.  The symptoms are insidious and often last for up to two weeks. Listeria monocytogenes is manifested by flu-like symptoms that can transition to meningitis or inflammation of the brain if not treated. In this case, mortality is quite high [25% to 30%].

 

Here is the complete list of items included in the turkey recall:

• 1-pound packages of New Branufels Smokehouse Sliced Smoked Turkey labeled with package code 2210;
• 4- to 6-pound packages of New Braunfels Honey-Glazed Spiral Sliced Smokehouse Hickory Smoked Boneless Breast of Turkey with package code 2180;
• 4- to 6-pound whole breast packages of Stegall Boneless Hickory Smoked Turkey Breast with package code 2210;
• 4- to 6-pound whole breast packages of Stegall Spiral Sliced Hickory Smoked Turkey Breast with package codes 2180 or 2210.

Note:   To further determine if the product you bought is included in the turkey recall, look for the FDA inspection stamp, and the number P-975.  These items were processed on August 4, 2010 nationwide.