Fear of listeria contamination prompts recall of thousands of ``snackwiches''

<br>WASHINGTON (AP) _ A Texas company is recalling thousands of its ``snackwiches'' because they may be contaminated with listeria, a potentially deadly bacterium. <br><br>Recalled are certain

Thursday, April 18th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ A Texas company is recalling thousands of its ``snackwiches'' because they may be contaminated with listeria, a potentially deadly bacterium.

Recalled are certain batches of Owens SnackWiches Sausage, Egg & Cheese biscuits and Bob Evans SnackWiches Ham & Cheese Bagels.

The maker, Owens Country Sausage, recalled the products after Texas health department testing uncovered listeria contamination. Owens said no illnesses have been reported, but it has suspended production until the problem is corrected.

Listeria food poisoning can cause high fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness and nausea. It can be fatal to infants, the elderly and people with weak immune systems. Also, it can cause miscarriages and stillbirths even if the pregnant woman experiences no symptoms.

Consumers should not eat the recalled food but return it to the place of purchase for a refund. The recalled foods were not served in Bob Evans or Owens restaurants.

Recalled are:

_Owens SnackWiches Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuits in a 24-count bag that bear the UPC code 70110-00525 and the sell-by code AMI 1261-2, and those sold in a four-count carton with the UPC code 70110-05424 and the sell-by code April 19 BC2059. They were sold in Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

_Bob Evans SnackWiches Ham & Cheese Bagels in an eight-count carton with the UPC code 75900-00758 and the sell-by code May 11 CC2084. They were sold in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio.

Consumers may contact the company at 1-800-939-2338.