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Oregon Seafood Processor Recalls Crabmeat

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

Crabmeat processed by Hallmark Fisheries on the southern Oregon coast in the harbor town of Charleston is being recalled for Listeria contamination.
No illnesses are yet associated with the recall.
The crabmeat is sold under the Hallmark, Peacock, Quality Ocean International and Yaquina Bay brands in five pound cans, one pound vacuum packs, one pound plastic tubs and eight ounce plastic tubs.
The crab was distributed in Washington, Nevada, Oregon and California primarily to food service companies.
The code on the recall products can be found on top of the containers and are as follows:

• CP 232 4A (A-H) 

• CP 233 4A (A-F) 

• CP 235 4A (A-F)

• CP 236 4A (A-G)

• CP 238 4A (A-H)

• CP 239 4A (A-C)

• CP 240 4A (A-B)

• CP 242 4A (A-C)

• CP 243 4A (A-H)

• CP 244 4A (A-E)

The recall is the result of a routine testing program by Hallmark Fisheries that revealed the finished products contained the bacteria.
Hallmark has ceased crab production at its Charleston seafood processing facility pending the outcome of the investigation into how the contamination occurred.
Hallmark is one of the largest seafood processing facilities on the Southern Oregon coast.  It is located on the entrance to Coos Bay, where Charleston serves as the homeport for a large fishing fleet that works the Pacific Ocean on a year round basis.
Hallmark produces Dungeness crab, fancy cocktail shrimp, wild troll salmon, and various frozen products.  It also provides fresh bottom fish fillets.
Food service companies that have purchased the recalled products were urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For questions, contact Hallmark Fisheries at 541-888-3253, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time.
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections.  Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Full post as published by Food Safety News on September 21, 2010 (boomark / email).