FSIS ALERT: Specialties Argo Alimentation of Millington, N.J. is now recalling imported boneless Serrano ham products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The ham in question was produced on various dates and was shipped to retailers nationwide. Consumers in possession of any recalled ham should discard it immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Free Serrano Ham Recall Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one has become severely sickened after consuming Serrano ham included in this recall, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.
What’s the problem?
June 24, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today issued a press release announcing that Specialties Argo Alimentation, a Millington, N.J. establishment, is recalling nearly 6,000 pounds of imported Serrano ham products because of the potential for listeria contamination.
Approximately 11 cases of the following products are included in this recall:
- Noel Jamón Serrano Boneless Spanish Dry-Cured Ham
- Bloc Noel Serrano Ham
This ham can be identified with production codes ‘11000481’ or ‘11000119’ on the shipping container, as well as the words ‘Product of Spain’ and the establishment number ‘Est. 26’ (Spain) on the label. Consumers who purchased any of these ham products at a retailer will not find these markers on their package and should consult the place of purchase with any questions.
The contamination was discovered by routine FSIS microbiological sampling that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The production lots that tested positive for listeria were denied entry into the United States and have not been circulated.
FSIS notified Spanish authorities where the contaminated ham was produced, and they discovered that associated products entered the country separately. These are the products that may be circulating on the market and are therefore subject to recall.
Listeria Food Poisoning Symptoms
Listeriosis can occur after ingestion of as few as 1,000 Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. After initially being ingested, the incubation period typically lasts from one to eight weeks. Within five days, the bacteria may be found in all body areas including the central nervous system (CNS), heart, eyes, etc. Signs and symptoms of listeriosis food poisoning include:
- fever
- muscle aches
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
If the infection has spread to the CNS, symptoms may include:
- headache
- stiff neck
- loss of balance
- confusion
- seizures
The diagnosis and treatment of listeria infection may include performing physical and neurological examinations, and blood tests, and in the case of listeriosis in the CNS, the individual may require a spinal tap procedure. Listeriosis is typically treated with antibiotics, as there are a number of antibiotics that have proven highly effective against listeria infection.
Prompt treatment in pregnant women can effectively prevent infection of the fetus. Listeriosis can be largely avoided by proper preparation of animal products and avoiding non-pasteurized milk and certain dairy products such as cheese.
How Common is Listeriosis?
Listeriosis is a relatively rare disease as far as foodborne illnesses go, but the consequences of infection are extremely serious. In the United States, approximately 1,850 people become seriously ill with listeriosis each year. Of these, an estimated 425 die.
The majority of these are elderly patients or individuals with otherwise compromised immune systems. Most outbreaks of listeriosis are sporadic and the sources are usually unknown, however, contaminated food is most often considered to be the source of infection.
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Do I have a Serrano Ham Recall Lawsuit?
The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Serrano ham recall lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new listeria food poisoning cases in all 50 states.
