News Release
California Department of Health Services

California Firm Recalls Ready-To-Eat Turkey Products for Possible Listeria Contamination

State Health Officer Advises Consumers Not To Eat Certain Diestel Turkey Ranch Ready-To-Eat Products Due To Possible Contamination

SACRAMENTO - Consumers should not eat certain ready-to-eat turkey products from the Diestel Turkey Ranch based in Chinese Camp, Calif., because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium that causes illness, State Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton announced today.

The company has agreed to recall approximately 6,907 pounds of ready-to-eat turkey products that were distributed to retail establishments in Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, Texas and Washington and produced on April 20, 2007. The problem was discovered through routine U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) microbiological testing. There have been no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product.

"Consumers should refrain from consuming these products and discard them or take them back to their place of purchase to ensure they do not become ill," Horton said.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious illness known as listeriosis, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems and pregnant women and can lead to spontaneous abortions. The bacterium causes gastrointestinal illness, including vomiting and diarrhea, in otherwise healthy individuals. Consumers with any of these symptoms should consult with their physician.

The following products are subject to recall:

• 6-7 -pound approximate weight plastic-wrapped packages of "HERBED OVEN ROASTED TURKEY BREAST." The label bears a "Sell-by" date of "5-28-07."
• 6-7 -pound approximate weight plastic-wrapped packages of "CHIPOTLE PEPPERED TURKEY BREAST." The label bears a "Sell-by" date of "5-28-07."
• 6-7 -pound approximate weight plastic-wrapped packages of "Naturally Smoked Boneless TURKEY BREAST." The label also a "Sell-by" date of "5-28-07."
• 6-7 -pound approximate weight plastic-wrapped packages of "PEPPERED OVEN ROASTED TURKEY BREAST." The label bears a "Sell-by" date of "5-28-07."
• 6-7 -pound approximate weight plastic-wrapped packages of "Naturally Smoked, UNCURED, TURKEY BREAST WITH PASTRAMI SEASONINGS." The label bears a "Sell-by" date of "5-28-07."
• 1-pound approximate weight plastic-wrapped packages of "Uncured Turkey Breast with Pastrami Seasoning." The label bears a "Sell-by" date of "5-23-07."

Each label bears the establishment number "P-9332A" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-209-532-4950.