WASHINGTON -  The USDA has announced that a subsidiary of Perdue Meats is recalling 234,391 pounds of fully cooked ham and pepperoni that may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service says the recall involves Alexander & Hornung, of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, and were shipped to stores nationwide.

The problem was discovered when the company notified FSIS that product sampling reported positive Listeria monocytogenes results.

Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract.

 In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems.

 Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

The products were produced on various dates. The products subject to recall with associated dates are listed below.

 

 The products are subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. M10125” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of the products, according to the USDA. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Some of the recalled products may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Anyone who bought the recalled product should not eat it, but throw it out or return it to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can visit www.alexanderhornung.com or contact Kerri McClimen, Vice President of Communications, at (773) 746-7077 or kerrim@alexander-hornung.com.

Consumers with questions can also call the Alexander & Hornung Consumer Hotline at 1-866-866-3703.