As a precautionary measure, Bar-S Foods Company has issued a recall on approximately 372,684 pounds of hot dogs and corn dogs made with chicken and pork, possibly contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
According to CNN, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) made the announcement on Tuesday. At the time, no illnesses or adverse reactions due to use of the products had been reported.
“Test results do not indicate contamination, but the company has decided to remove the products from the market because they were made at a manufacturing site where there have been recurring Listeria issues,” CNN reports.
Consumers should keep in mind that eating food contaminated with the Listeria bacteria can cause listeriosis, “a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns and those with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients. Symptoms include fever and muscle aches, which may be preceded by diarrhea or other symptoms of gastrointestinal upset.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that almost everyone diagnosed with listeriosis will have an invasive infection spreading beyond that.
“In such cases, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions may occur. In pregnant women, symptoms can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or a life-threatening infection of the newborn. Sepsis and meningitis may occur in older adults and people with a compromised immune system.”
The items under recall include:
Bar-S Classic Corn Dogs, Signature Foods Corn Dogs, Bar-S Classic Bun Length Franks and Bar-S Classic Franks.
One of the four products made by Bar-S Foods Company that has been recalled for possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Check item for “Use By” dates of 4/7/2017 and 4/8/2017 and case code 6396, and check for package code 14054, “Use By” dates of 4/6/2017 and 4/9/2017, and case code 14038. The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. P-81A” inside the USDA mark of inspection [courtesy photo]
These ready-to-eat items were produced earlier this month between July 10 and July 13. “Consumers who have these recalled products should return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund,” the Altus, Oklahoma Company said in its recall announcement.
One of the four products made by Bar-S Foods Company that has been recalled for possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Check item for “Use By” date of 10/11/2016 and case code 209. The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. P-81A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. [courtesy photo]
The USDA/FSIS and the company are concerned that some consumers may have frozen these products. Freezers should be checked and products thrown away or returned to the store.
The recall is a “Class 1” type, which holds a “high” health risk status and is the highest recall type that can be issued.
The following products are subject to recall:
• 16-oz/1-lb. packages of “BAR-S Classic BUN LENGTH Franks MADE WITH CHICKEN, PORK ADDED” with “Use By” date of 10/11/2016 and case code 209.
- 12-oz. packages of “BAR-S CLASSIC Franks MADE WITH CHICKEN, PORK ADDED” with package code 6338, “Use By” date of 10/10/2016 and case code 6405.
- 24-oz./1.5-lb. cartons of “SIGNATURE Pick 5 CORNDOGS – 8 Honey Batter Dipped Franks On A Stick” with a “Use By” date of 4/6/2017 and case code 6071.
- 42.72-oz./2.67-lb. cartons of “BAR-S CLASSIC CORN DOGS – 16 Honey Batter Dipped Franks On A Stick” with “Use By” dates of 4/7/2017 and 4/8/2017 and case code 6396.
- 48-oz./3-lb. cartons of “BAR-S CLASSIC CORN DOGS – 16 Honey Batter Dipped Franks On A Stick” with package code 14054, “Use By” dates of 4/6/2017 and 4/9/2017, and case code 14038.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. P-81A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.
LOCAL
The Bar S brand of hotdogs and corn dogs is very popular in the territory. The corn dogs can be found at certain retail markets on island, while almost every retailer and wholesaler sells the hotdogs (‘sosisi’), which are a local favorite during barbecues and cookouts, and the go-to option for quick meals at home for the kids. The majority of local residents have — at one time or another — had a package of Bar S hot dogs in the freezer.
Samoa News visited several stores yesterday and did not find any Bar-S items on the recall list. We also spoke to several store clerks yesterday about the recall and none of them knew about it. However, they looked genuinely confused and said they have no idea what the word ‘recall’ means.
Samoa News also tried to contact the inspectors of the Environmental Services Division of the Department of Health (DOH) but no comments could be obtained as of press time yesterday.