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Bad Broccoli Blamed for 64,000 Pound Meat Recall

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

Tracy, CA-based Taylor Farms Pacific has recalled 64,000 pounds of chicken and pork products because the broccoli in the packages may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
No illnesses have been associated with the bad broccoli in the ready-to-eat products, which were sold in Pavilion's, Raley's, Safeway, and Von's stores in western states.
The chicken and pork product recall stems from a Feb. 24 recall by Taylor for broccoli after the Washington State Department of Agriculture, during routine sampling at the retail level, found evidence of Listeria. The Feb. 24 recall was for products that fell under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
At that time--just a week ago--Taylor's made it sound as if there would be no expansion of the recall.  "Immediately upon learning about the positive test result, Taylor Farms conducted a traceability assessment and a full review of its food safety documentation, all of which were found to be in compliance," a company statement said.
The March 1 recall for chicken and pork products falls under the jurisdiction of the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service; and includes some products already recalled and some additional ones. Here's the list:

• "Raley's Yellow Curry Chicken Rice Bowl" 17 oz.
• "Raley's Udon Pork Noodle Bowl", 17 oz.
• "Raley's Udon Chicken Noodle Bowl", 17 oz.
• "Raley's Asian Pasta Toss Tray", 12 oz.
• "Raley's Family Grilled Chicken Penne Alfredo", 36 oz.
• "Raley's Grilled Chicken Breast with Mashed Potato and Gravy" 14 oz.
• "Taylor Farms Snack Pot Penne Alfredo", 10.75 oz.
• 6.25 lb cases of. "Taylor Farms Broccoli Crunch Salad Kit" bearing "case code" 10203140
• 6.25 lb cases of "Taylor Farms Broccoli Crunch Kit" bearing "case code" 10210070
• 6.25 lb cases of "SYSCO Broccoli Crunch Kit" bearing "case code" 10203125

Each box bears the establishment number "P-34013" or "EST. 34013" inside the USDA mark of inspection. 
The products were produced between Feb. 6 and 23, 2011 with sell by dates between Feb. 7 and Mar. 7, 2011. The products were shipped to retail distribution centers in Arizona, California, Colorado, and Wyoming.
Broccoli salad mixes may contain broccoli, red onion, bacon bits, raisins, sunflower seeds and dressing.  Although these salad mixes were available for sale only through deli counters, and have been withdrawn from market, consumers may still have them in their homes.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially  in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Full post as published by Food Safety News on March 03, 2011 (boomark / email).