Recall Notification Report 008-98

April 1, 1998

Recall Notification Report

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE

Smoked boneless hams. Various brands of ham products, including boneless, sliced, chopped, and honey hams, produced under a number of labels.

Production Dates/Codes:

Produced March 9-12; various codes

Problem/Reason for Recall:

Adulterated with gear lubricant grease

How/When Discovered:

At least 3 consumer complaints of bad taste and burning in throat for 1-3 hours.

Federal Establishment:

Est. 382F
Smithfield Packing Co.,
Kinston, N.C.

Corporate Contact:

Troy Wilkerson, director of quality assurance for Smithfield. 757-357-1376

Quantity Recalled:

490,877 lbs. total production (some product in inventory)

Distribution:

Primarily for food service and delicatessen use with a small percentage sold in retail packages.

Recall Classification:

Class 2

Recall Notification Level:

To user level

Press Release:

None

Direct Notification Means:

Company notifying customers directly

FSIS Followup Activities:

District Enforcement conducting effectiveness checks to see that customers are being notified and product returned

Other Agencies Involved:

None

FSIS Contacts:

• District Enforcement Operations: (202) 418-8872
• Emergency Response: (202) 501-7521
• Media Inquiries: (202) 720-9113
• Congressional Inquiries: (202) 720-3897
• Consumer Inquiries: (800) 535-4555
• Web Site: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/ (FSIS Main Page) or
  http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/recalls/rec_intr.htm (Recall Information Center)

Date of Recall Meeting:

April 1, 1998

Recall Case Number:

EP-008-98