Rich Products Corporation of New Jersey is recalling about 3,420 pounds of Member’s Mark beef meatball products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The ready-to-eat frozen meatballs were produced on December 17, 2017. They include 36-pound cases containing six 6-pound bags of “Member’s Mark Casa DI BERTACCHI ITALIAN STYLE BEEF MEATBALLS.” The “Best if Used By date is 17 DEC 2018” label and the lot code of 15507351 are printed on the packaging. The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 5336” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distributors in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. The problem was discovered on January 24, 2018, when the firm notified FSIS that they shipped adulterated product into commerce.
If you purchased this item, do not eat it even if you plan to heat it thoroughly first. Microwaving products can leave cold spots and the meatballs may not be safely or thoroughly heated, which means some bacteria could survive. In addition, cross-contamination between the unheated meatballs and foods or surfaces could occur.
Throw the meatballs away in a sealed or double bagged container in a secure garbage can, or take the product back to the place of purchase for a refund. FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be stored in consumers’ freezers.
It’s important that you then clean out your refrigerator and freezer with a mild bleach solution to kill any Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, which grow at refrigerator temperatures. Freezing does not kill this pathogenic bacteria. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning and after handling this product.
If you ate any of these meatballs, watch yourself for the symptoms of listeriosis for the next 70 days. Symptoms include high fever, muscle aches, headache, a stiff neck, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Pregnant women need to be very wary of this bacteria, since it can cause miscarriage and stillbirth, even though the woman may be only mildly ill with flu-like symptoms. If you do get sick, see your doctor.
