news release
ANDREW J. SPANO, Westchester County Executive JOSHUA LIPSMAN, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of Health SUSAN TOLCHIN, Director of Communications

CONTACT: SUSAN TOLCHIN (914) 995-2932

MARY LANDRIGAN (914) 813-5013

(914) 813-5000 (After Hours)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 16, 2004

SMOKED SALMON RECALL IN SPECIALTY DELI

The Westchester County Department of Health today alerted residents that Catsmo Corp. has voluntarily recalled smoked salmon that was produced at its processing facility in Wallkill, NY because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially harmful bacterium. This product was distributed to one specialty deli in Westchester County: Zeytinia, located at 51 Maple Street, Croton-on-Hudson.

Consumers who have purchased the smoked salmon with a designation of 2063 and a “sell by” date of June 20, 2004 should not consume it -- it should be discarded. No illnesses have been reported to date due to this potential contamination.

Eating food which is contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause Listeriosis, a severe foodborne illness in high-risk individuals. In pregnant women, it can cause miscarriage or fetal death. Infants, the elderly and those with compromised immune symptoms can experience life-threatening complications including meningitis and bloodstream infections.

Outbreaks of disease caused by Listeria have been associated with unpasteurized dairy products, and also soft cheeses that may support the growth of Listeria during ripening. Both dairy products such as cheeses

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Salmon Recall Pg. 2

and ready-to-eat cold cuts can become contaminated after processing. To avoid Listeria infection, residents should consume only thoroughly cooked meats and pasteurized dairy products. Residents at an increased risk for becoming seriously ill due to Listeria can minimize their exposure to the bacteria by avoiding soft, runny cheeses; unpasteurized dairy products; pates; hot dogs; and cold cuts.

Symptoms of Listeriosis include sudden onset of fever, intense headache, nausea and vomiting. In normal individuals, Listeria infection often causes only mild illness with flu like symptoms. Symptoms usually occur approximately three weeks after eating a product contaminated with the bacteria, but may occur as early as three days after exposure and as late as 70 days after exposure.

Consumers, who have purchased this product and have questions, may contact the Catsmo Artisan Smokehouse at (845) 895-2296. For additional information, call the Westchester County Health Department at (914) 813-5000 or visit our website at www.westchestergov.com/health.

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