The Recall Desk
CriticalUSDA FSIS·084-2018·Announced 2018-10-03

Johnston County Hams Recalls Ready-to-Eat Ham Products Due to Listeria Risk

Johnston County Hams is recalling approximately 89,096 pounds of ready-to-eat ham products due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall affects products distributed in five states.

What this means for you

Highest-severity recall. Risk of serious injury or death is documented or strongly suspected. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that the epidemiologic investigation identified a total of four listeriosis confirmed illnesses, including one death. Per the rubric, if reported deaths exist anywhere in the source text, the score is 5.

Plain-English summary

Johnston County Hams, a facility in Smithfield, North Carolina, is recalling approximately 89,096 pounds of ready-to-eat ham products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected products include various brands of fully cooked, boneless deli ham, such as Johnston County Hams Country Style, Ole Fashioned Sugar Cured, Padows Hams & Deli, Premium Fully Cooked Country Ham, and Goodnight Brothers Country Ham. These items were produced between April 3, 2017, and October 2, 2018, and bear establishment number EST. M2646.

The recall was initiated after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) was notified on September 27, 2018, that a person ill with listeriosis had consumed a ham product from this facility. An epidemiologic investigation confirmed four cases of listeriosis, including one death, between July 8, 2017, and August 11, 2018. Genetic testing confirmed that the Listeria monocytogenes found in the ham products was closely related to the bacteria found in the ill individuals. The products were shipped to distributors in Maryland, North Carolina, New York, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. The items should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. FSIS notes that some product may be frozen in consumers' freezers. Listeriosis is a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. Persons in these higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and inform their provider about the potential exposure.

The recalled product

Product
Johnston County Hams Recalls Ready-To-Eat Ham Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Category
Food — Deli / Ready-to-Eat
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed in 5 states:

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