NEWS: U.S. Department of Health andHuman Services

Morey's Seafood International LLC Recalls Morey's® Smoked Ciscoes Chubs Due to Possible Health Risk

Contact:  Jenni Dow
          (651) 426-2891
                               

For Immediate Release

Morey's Seafood International LLC Recalls Morey's® Smoked Ciscoes Chubs Due to Possible Health Risk

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota - May 22, 2002 -- Morey's Seafood International LLC announced the voluntary recall of 1,169-lbs. of Morey's® Smoked Ciscoes Chubs in retail sized packages, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Morey's® Smoked Ciscoes Chubs products included in this recall were distributed to retail stores, in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The recalled product is packaged in individual weight packages which have a target weight of .75 lb and carry on their perishable label (displayed on the front of the tray-packed cellophane-wrapped package) a lot number "3990" and a "Not To Be Sold or Consumed After" date of "5/25/02." The product was also sold in bulk. The products have been available for purchase in supermarkets since April 12, 2002.

This voluntary recall includes 1,169 lbs. of Morey's® Smoked Ciscoes Chubs produced at the company's Motley, Minnesota manufacturing facility. No illnesses have been reported related to this recall.

The company was informed Wednesday, May 22, 2002 by the Michigan Department of Agriculture that a single .76 lb. package of this product, taken from a supermarket in Michigan during routine testing on May 7, 2002, tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Morey's independently tests its Smoked Ciscoes Chubs product weekly. Results from an independent lab, in a report dated April 27, 2002, showed that a sample from lot number 3990 tested negative for Listeria monocytogenes. The specific lot of product has been recalled as a precautionary measure. Morey' Seafood International is working closely with the FDA to ensure quick recovery of the recalled product.

Consumers are asked to check any Morey's® Smoked Ciscoes Chubs, that they have purchased, for the above-mentioned numbers, and if they match, to return the product to the store of purchase for a full refund. No other Morey's products, including Morey's® Smoked Ciscoes Chubs with any other "Not To Be Sold or Consumed After" dates, are affected by this recall.

Morey's Seafood International's number one manufacturing concern is the quality and safety of its products. Customers with additional questions are asked to call Morey's Consumer Hotline at 1-800-808-FISH (3474).