Listeria found in pastrami prompts a recall and a health alert

Listeria detected in pastrami has triggered a recall and prompted an alert from SA Health for people not to eat the product and to see a doctor if they feel ill.

SA Health has issued a recall alert over listeria in sliced pastrami.

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Listeria has been detected in pastrami prompting a safety alert and a recall.

SA Health advises the public — particularly pregnant women, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems — not to consume sliced pastrami purchased from a variety of Foodlands, IGAs, butchers, continental delis, bakeries, cafes and sandwich bars.

The affected pastrami is sold loose from the affected businesses and therefore has no distinct

packaging.

SA Health’s Acting Director of Food and Controlled Drugs Branch, Joanne Cammans, said as yet there have been no cases of infection reported to SA Health linked to the product.

“We received confirmation today that (manufacturers) Conroy’s had detected listeria during routine company testing of pastrami and are initiating a recall,” Ms Cammans said.

“While we have not received notification of anyone contracting listeria from the product, the infection can be extremely serious if it is contracted by the elderly, pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems.

“Many people are exposed to listeria with often only mild illness resulting, but it can be more serious in the at-risk groups, so all South Australians at-risk should avoid eating the product.

“As a precaution, we recommend anyone who has purchased pastrami from a Foodland, IGA, butcher, continental deli, bakery, cafe or sandwich bar to not eat it and either return it to the place of purchase, or discard it.”

Ms Cammans urged anyone who has recently eaten pastrami purchased from the businesses involved to see their doctor if they feel ill, especially those in the at-risk groups.

Listeria infection starts with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and

sometimes diarrhoea.

People can start experiencing symptoms within a few days, but symptoms can take up to six weeks to appear after eating contaminated product.

Originally published as Listeria found in pastrami prompts a recall and a health alert