Oct. 23, 2006
 
Ballard’s Recalls Egg Salad Products in 17 States
 
By HNN Staff from Ballard’s News Release
 
Wayne, WV (HNN) – - Ballard's Farm Sausage Inc. is recalling the following egg salad products: Ballard's 12 oz. egg salad, Food City 12 oz. egg salad and Valu Time 11 oz. egg salad -- because of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This organism can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
 
The recalled egg salads were distributed in West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, Alabama, Delaware, Illinois and Florida.
 
The contamination was noted after routine testing by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. This test revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in egg product.
 
The production of the product has been temporarily suspended while the company continues to investigate the source of the problem. The products being recalled are sold in a clear plastic cup with the description cleared displayed on the side of the cup. All of the egg salad items being recalled, the Ballard's 12 oz. egg salad, Food City 12 oz. egg salad and the Valu Time 11 oz. egg salad, will have on the side of the cup a "Best if used by 11/7/06" description.
 
At this time no illnesses have been reported in connection with this contamination.
 
Consumers are urged to return the egg salad items with the identification of "Best if used by 11/7/06" to their location of purchase for a full refund.
 
Consumers with any questions may contact the Wayne, WV-based company at 800-346-7675.