NEWS: U.S. Department of Health andHuman Services

Oven Pride Recalls Northwest Market Fresh Labeled Ham & Cheese Wedge Sandwiches Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:  Steve Sposari
          1-800-722-6290 ext. 114
                

For Immediate Release

Oven Pride Recalls Northwest Market Fresh Labeled Ham & Cheese Wedge Sandwiches Because of Possible Health Risk

Seattle, WA - April 26, 2002 -- Oven Pride of Seattle Washington is recalling 254 Ham & Cheese Wedge Sandwiches with the Northwest Market Fresh Label attached and a best before date of 05/07/02, 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 can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The Ham & Cheese Wedge sandwich was distributed throughout the Puget Sound area with the Northwest Market Fresh label in convenience stores only. The product has a net weight of 7.25 oz (205g) and is packaged in a rigid plastic wedge cup.

There have been no reports of illness associated with the consumption of this product.

The recall is the result of routine Washington State Department of Agriculture microbiological sampling. Oven Pride has conducted subsequent testing and all tests for Listeria have been negative. All 254 sandwiches should have been removed from store shelves but "because of the potential for foodborne illness, we wanted consumers to be aware of the recall", said Steve Sposari, President of Oven Pride. Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with any questions can contact Oven Pride at 1-800-722-6290 ext. 114.