Gourmet Boutique Brand recalls 143 Tons of Meat

by The Environmentalist Staff

A high end New York food company, Gourmet Boutique, has voluntarily recalled 143 tons (286,000 pounds) of beef and poultry for fear that it may be contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

The Jamaica, NY, company manufactures both fresh and frozen foods. The problem was discovered through sampling by federal and Florida food safety inspectors. No associated illnesses have been reported.

Included are specific chicken salad and sandwiches sold under the name Gourmet Boutique, and several frozen wraps and burritos sold under the names "Jan's" and "Archer Farms."

The fresh food products have end dates of May 2 and May 3. The company had an earlier voluntary recall, last March, of 7,000 pounds of meat for the same contamination. The company said in a recorded message they had made "environmental changes" at their plants to prevent a repeat of the problem.

Listeria monocytegenes is a bacteria that exists in ground water and other sources. It is responsible for the disease Listeriosis which is most dangerous to those with depressed immune systems, although it can be a problem for whoever ingests the bacteria.

The symptoms of Listeriosis include:

Fever, muscle aches, nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions can occur. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage.

If you find you have these products or have questions, you may contact the company here.