It was discovered on January 24th that Rich Products Corporation (of Vineland, New Jersey) recalled more than 3,000 pounds of ready-to-eat, frozen meatballs due to possible a possible listeria contamination. Packaged under the Sam’s Club brand “Member’s Mark,” 3,420 pounds of product were shipped from NJ to nine other states: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
Important label information:
- “Member’s Mark Casa Di Bertacchi Italian Style Beef Meatballs” in 6-pound plastic bags
- “Best if Used By 17 DEC 2018” date code
- Lot code of 15507351
- Establishment number “EST. 5336” printed inside the USDA mark of inspection.
Listeria affects over 1500 people per year, and kills over 250 people annually, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the listeria bacteria usually only causes fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, it can be very dangerous for children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. It is also particularly dangerous for pregnant women, who are 10 times more likely to become infected. It can cause stillbirths or miscarriages and can also be passed on to the developing fetus.
This is considered a Class I, high risk recall, and since it can take up to 70 days for symptoms of listeriosis to present themselves, people who have consumed any Member’s Mark meatballs are urged to monitor themselves and speak with a physician if anything unusual occurs. Those with any of said product in their freezers are urged to check label information and discard meatballs, or return it to the place of purchase. If you have any other questions you can contact Rich Products Corp. Customer Service by calling 1-800-356-7094 or visit the USDA’s website for updates.