Meat recalled in U.S. Northwest for possible contamination

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- An Idaho meat processor voluntarily recalled 380 pounds of ready-to-eat products distributed to restaurants and hospitals because they may contain a potentially fatal bacteria, U.S. officials said Tuesday.

The meat, from Tri City Meats, based in Meridian, Idaho, was distributed in Idaho and Oregon. The one- to two-pound packages of sliced ham, turkey breast, beef and pastrami were shipped in 10-pound boxes carrying the customer's name and production code "7/31/00." The boxes also bear EST. 11063 or P-11063 inside the Agriculture Department inspection seal.

Routine testing by the U.S. Food Safety Inspecton Service found the products may contain the bacteria that causes listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease that causes high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. It also can cause miscarriages and stillbirth.

There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the meat under recall, FSIS said.

Because of the potential for illness, FSIS said consumers may wish to ask if meals purchased in restaurants or hospitals contained meat involved in the recall.

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