4.2 Million Pounds of Fresh and Frozen Ready-To-Eat Turkey and Chicken Products Recalled
Food Hazards in Animal Flesh and By-products from All-Creatures.org Vegan Health Articles

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2002 –Jack Lambersky Poultry Company Inc., doing business as J.L. Foods Company Inc., a Camden, N.J., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 4.2 million pounds of fresh and frozen, ready-to-eat poultry products, mostly turkey and chicken breasts, that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The products, which are listed in the attachment, were produced between May 29 and Nov. 2 and distributed to retail stores and institutions nationwide. Each product bears the establishment code "EST. P-4340" inside the USDA seal of inspection.

The sample that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes was collected on Nov. 14 as part of the continuing joint investigation by FSIS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention into the cause of the outbreak of listeriosis that has sickened 52 people and resulted in seven deaths in eight Northeastern states. The sample is being further analyzed to determine whether or not it matches the outbreak strain.

The recall is an expansion of the Nov. 2 recall of similar products totaling 200,000 pounds. The product from the earlier recall was determined to be contaminated with a strain of Listeria monocytogenes that was indistinguishable from that of the outbreak victims.

"Public health is our top priority," said Dr. Garry L. McKee, FSIS administrator. "Consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers for products involved in this recall and return them to the point of purchase."

"I commend the work of the investigative teams from FSIS and the CDC for their ongoing aggressive investigation into the source of the outbreak," said Dr. Elsa Murano, undersecretary for food safety.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in infants, seniors and those with compromised immune systems.

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There is absolutely no reason to have humans or animals suffer and die because of the production of food.  From our research, we believe all food-borne illnesses (so-called "stomach flu," for example) originate within the meat and dairy industries or from cross-contamination.  We believe that one day, in the not too distant future, the meat and dairy industries will be held financially responsible much in the same way that the tobacco industry has been held responsible for the illnesses and deaths that result from their products. 

IIn this single recall, we estimate that approximately 1,000,000 turkeys and chickens, as well as seven humans, suffered and died needlessly because of the human greed and carelessness involved in this industry.  The humans had a choice whether or not to eat these animal products - the turkeys and chickens were not given a choice concerning their lives.

We don't need to eat animals or their by-products to live.  There is an abundance of plant based foods to satisfy our every need; and plant foods don't have the food-borne illness risks and hazards.  See our Recipes section for some helpful and healthful suggestions.


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All-Creatures.org Health Position and Disclaimer

We began this archive as a means of assisting our visitors in answering many of their health and diet questions, and in encouraging them to take a pro-active part in their own health. We believe the articles and information contained herein are true, but are not presenting them as advice. We, personally, have found that a whole food vegan diet has helped our own health, and simply wish to share with others the things we have found. Each of us must make our own decisions, for it's our own body. If you have a health problem, see your own physician.