After samples collected and analyzed by the company returned positive results, Marathon Enterprises, Inc., initiated recall actions and immediately notified USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service. The plant involved, located in the Bronx, N.Y., closed voluntarily on Oct. 14. No additional product has been produced at or shipped from the plant since then. 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.
Currently, there is no definitive evidence that links any illnesses to this product. However, FSIS is working with the Centers for Disease Control and the involved states in investigating whether there is a link between this product and a listeriosis outbreak in areas where this product has been distributed. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician immediately.