DELAWARE FOOD RECALL EXPANDED PUBLIC HEALTH URGES CONSUMERS CAUTION

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Delawareans of an expanded voluntary recall of refrigerated ready-to-eat products manufactured by Reser's Fine Foods, Inc. that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The expanded recall includes products shipped to Delaware that were served at deli counters at grocery stores and other retail food establishments. For an expanded list of the food establishments, visit www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm372471.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The original recall, which also included products purchased at grocery stores and other retail food establishments, is listed at: www.resers.com/images/uploads/news/Final-Resers-EXPANDED-Press-Release-Topeka-Salad.pdf and www.fda.gov/safety/recalls/ucm372345.htm.

DPH is working with the FDA and local partners to ensure all impacted facilities are aware of the recalls and know how to safely dispose of or return the product. At this time, there are no illnesses associated with these products in Delaware or elsewhere in the U.S. Out of an abundance of caution, DPH is encouraging consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for these products, and to discard or return them to the store where they were purchased. Listeria is an organism that can cause serious and sometime fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Healthy people 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 woman.

If you or a member of your family has consumed (or believe that you have consumed one of the recalled products) and are experiencing any of the symptoms above, please seek medical attention.

DPH is also aware of at least two hospitals and four school districts that have received recalled products in Delaware; all impacted products are in the process of being disposed of or are being returned to the distributor.

DPH staff is working with the FDA and local partners to determine if any additional recalled product was shipped to Delaware. For further information on Listeria monocytogenes, visit the DPH website at: dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/listeriofaq.pdf

For questions regarding the recalled products, contact Reser's Consumer Hotline at 1-888-257-7913. For any questions regarding illness, please contact your healthcare provider. For medical providers to report suspected cases of listeriosis associated with consumption of the recalled food, call the DPH Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 1-888-295-5156.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.