FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 8, 2008

CONTACT:
Michael Schommer, MDA Communications Director, 651-201-2956

MDA issues consumer advisory for J&B Meats smoked bratwurst

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is alerting consumers to avoid consuming smoked pork and beef bratwurst produced by J&B Meats, of Barnesville, Minn., after routine product sampling discovered the products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

There are no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of the product.

The bratwurst in question bear the lot number PBB30306, and Minnesota State Establishment Number 1198. J&B Meats sold the bratwurst at its retail store in Barnesville. The products are often sold frozen. The company is cooperating with MDA’s investigation. Consumers are asked to return packages to the retail store.

According to MDA Dairy and Food Division Director Heidi Kassenborg, the contamination was first detected in a product sample collected during a routine inspection. MDA investigators are now working to determine the source of the contamination.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially serious disease marked by fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis, but it can sometimes cause fatal infections in infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis can also lead to miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

Any consumers who believe they may have become ill after eating the product should contact their health care provider and the Minnesota Foodborne Illness Hotline toll free number at 1-877-366-3455. For more details about the product, call J&B Meats at 218-493-4290.

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