Possibly tainted meats sold at Wal-Mart recalled

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Roast beef and ham that was distributed to Walmart delicatessens nationwide and sold in sandwiches has been recalled because it might be tainted with potentially harmful bacteria, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Tuesday.

No illnesses have been reported from the 380,000 pounds of meat products that were made by Zemco Industries in Buffalo and may contain Listeria, agency spokesman Gary Mickelson said.

"It's believed most of the affected products have already been consumed," he said. The sandwiches have been removed from store shelves nonetheless.

It wasn't immediately clear how many stores sold the meat products. A spokeswoman for Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the nation's largest retailer, could not say where it was sold.

A retail sample collected in Georgia tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, Mickelson said. The organism can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and in others with weakened immune systems.

The products being recalled were all labeled as Marketside Grab and Go Sandwiches.

The products subject to recall include:

* 25.5-pound cases of "Marketside Grab and Go Sandwiches BLACK FOREST HAM With Natural Juices Coated with Caramel Color" with the number 17800 1300.
* 28.49-pound cases of "Marketside Grab and Go Sandwiches HOT HAM, HARD SALAMI, PEPPERONI, SANDWICH PEPPERS" with the number 17803 1300.
* 32.67-pound cases of "Marketside Grab and Go Sandwiches VIRGINIA BRAND HAM With Natural Juices, MADE IN NEW YORK, FULLY COOKED BACON, SANDWICH PICKLES, SANDWICH PEPPERS" with the number 17804 1300.
* 25.5-pound cases of "Marketside Grab and Go Sandwiches ANGUS ROAST BEEF Coated with Caramel Color" with the number 17805 1300.

The packages also bear vendor number "398412808" and the USDA mark of inspection. The meat products were produced on various dates from June 18 to July 2, 2010, and have various "Use By" dates ranging from August 20 to September 10, 2010. 

Source: Food Safety Inspection Service

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