Arkansas company recalls 4,500 pounds of meat products

<br>WASHINGTON (AP) _ An Arkansas company is recalling 4,500 pounds of ready-to-eat sausages and ham that may be contaminated with listeria bacteria, the Agriculture Department said Sunday. <br><br>Berry

Monday, October 6th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ An Arkansas company is recalling 4,500 pounds of ready-to-eat sausages and ham that may be contaminated with listeria bacteria, the Agriculture Department said Sunday.

Berry Packing Inc., of Crossett, Ark., is recalling from retailers:

_``Berry, Garlic Hot Sausage Links.'' Each package weighs about 20 ounces and is stamped with the code ``4255.''

_``Berry, Summer Sausage.'' Packages weigh between 10 and 14 ounces and are stamped with the code, ``4245.''

The following product, distributed to a cold storage facility, is also being recalled:

_``Berry, Sugar Cured-Smoke Ham,'' with a box code of ``4245.''

All the products were packaged on Sept. 26, 2003, and each package bears the number ``2325'' inside the USDA inspection seal, the department's Food Safety and Inspection Service said.

The products were distributed in Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Consumption of food contaminated with listeria bacteria can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease characterized by high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea.

The agency said it had received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of the Berry's products.