The sandwich spreads were distributed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, through retail grocery stores and institutional establishments in these areas. An FDA investigation revealed that the finished product contained the bacteria. The company has ceased operations at its Chester, SC plant and has transferred production to another plant while FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the contamination. 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 those with weak immune systems such as infants, the frail or elderly, and persons with chronic disease, with HIV infection, or taking chemotherapy. Any consumers with this product on hand are urged to return it to the store for a refund. Notice of this product warning was sent via email to SafeMail subscribers March 17, 2000. Safety Alerts compiles comprehensive safety recall information for the United States. SafeMail is a free email service to warn consumers of faulty products and contaminated foods.