Jimmy Dean Recall: What You Need To Know

In May 2024, Jimmy Dean issued a recall of approximately 29,000 pounds of frozen sausage links due to potential contamination. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the Jimmy Dean recall, its impact, and what steps you should take.

Key Takeaways

• Jimmy Dean recalled approximately 29,000 pounds of frozen sausage links in May 2024.
• The recall was initiated due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
• Affected products were sold in multiple states, including Tennessee and Virginia.
• Consumers are advised to check their freezers for the recalled sausage and discard it immediately or return it to the place of purchase.
• Listeria infection can cause severe symptoms, particularly in pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
• No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall.

Introduction

Food recalls are a critical part of ensuring public safety, alerting consumers to potential health hazards in products they may have purchased. The Jimmy Dean sausage recall highlights the importance of staying informed about such announcements. This article provides a detailed overview of the recall, helping you understand what happened, why it matters, and what actions you should take to protect yourself and your family.

What & Why

What Happened?

On May 15, 2024, Jimmy Dean, a subsidiary of Tyson Foods, announced a voluntary recall of approximately 29,000 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat sausage links. The recall was initiated after the company's quality control procedures identified potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The products subject to recall were produced on a single day, May 12, 2024, and shipped to retail locations across several states.

Why Was the Recall Issued?

The primary reason for the recall is the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause a severe infection called listeriosis. Listeriosis can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Foodborne illnesses such as listeriosis can lead to hospitalization and, in severe cases, can be fatal. The recall was a proactive measure to prevent potential health risks to consumers.

Potential Risks

The most significant risk associated with consuming food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes is developing listeriosis. The symptoms can vary, but high-risk individuals are more prone to severe complications. For pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. — Robert Irwin's Relationship Status: Is He Married?

Those with weakened immune systems, such as individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or organ transplant recipients, are also at higher risk. Symptoms can escalate quickly and require immediate medical intervention.

How to Identify Recalled Products

The products subject to the Jimmy Dean sausage recall include:

• Product Name: Jimmy Dean Heat 'n Serve Original Sausage Links Made With Pork & Turkey
• Package Weight: 23.4-oz. pouches
• Use By Date: January 31, 2025
• Lot Code: TSER0454
• Establishment Number: EST. 19085

The establishment number, “EST. 19085,” is located inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were shipped to retail locations in multiple states, including Tennessee and Virginia. Consumers who have purchased Jimmy Dean Heat 'n Serve Original Sausage Links are urged to check their freezers for the recalled product.

Steps to Take If You Have the Recalled Product

If you have purchased the recalled Jimmy Dean sausage links, follow these steps to ensure your safety:

1. Check Your Freezer: Immediately inspect your freezer for the recalled product. Verify the product name, use-by date, lot code, and establishment number.
2. Do Not Consume: If you find the recalled product, do not consume it. Eating contaminated food can lead to listeriosis, which can be particularly dangerous.
3. Discard or Return: Dispose of the recalled sausage links immediately in a sealed bag to prevent others from consuming them, or return them to the store where you purchased them for a full refund.
4. Clean and Sanitize: After discarding or returning the product, clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the sausage, including freezer shelves, countertops, and utensils. Use a solution of bleach and water (1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water) to disinfect surfaces thoroughly.
5. Monitor for Symptoms: If you have consumed the recalled product, monitor yourself for symptoms of listeriosis. Symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after eating contaminated food. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, or gastrointestinal symptoms.

Examples & Use Cases

Example 1: Family Meal Preparation

Imagine a family preparing breakfast and using Jimmy Dean Heat 'n Serve Original Sausage Links. If they are unaware of the recall and consume the contaminated product, they could potentially develop listeriosis. This scenario underscores the importance of staying informed about food recalls and taking immediate action when a recall is announced. — San Leandro, CA ZIP Code: Find It Here

Example 2: Retail Store Inventory

A retail store stocks its shelves with Jimmy Dean sausage links, unaware that some of the product is part of the recall. Customers purchase the sausage, and without proper notification, they could unknowingly consume contaminated food. This highlights the need for effective communication between manufacturers, retailers, and consumers during a recall.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices

• Stay Informed: Regularly check for food recall announcements from reputable sources such as the USDA, FDA, and the manufacturer's website. Sign up for email alerts or download mobile apps that provide recall notifications.
• Read Labels Carefully: Always read product labels to check for any recall information, use-by dates, and lot codes. Pay attention to any special instructions or warnings.
• Proper Food Handling: Follow safe food handling practices to prevent contamination. Cook food to the proper internal temperature, store food properly, and avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
• Maintain Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food. Clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces and utensils regularly.

Common Mistakes

• Ignoring Recall Notices: One of the most common mistakes is ignoring recall notices. Many people assume that a recall will not affect them, but it is crucial to take all recalls seriously.
• Consuming Recalled Products: Eating a recalled product, even if it looks and smells normal, can lead to illness. Always discard or return recalled products immediately.
• Improper Disposal: Disposing of recalled products improperly can pose a risk to others. Ensure that recalled items are sealed in a bag and disposed of in a secure trash can.
• Failure to Clean and Sanitize: Failing to clean and sanitize surfaces that have come into contact with recalled products can spread contamination. Use a disinfectant solution to clean all affected areas thoroughly.

FAQs

Q: What is Listeria monocytogenes? A: Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection usually caused by eating contaminated food.

Q: What are the symptoms of listeriosis? A: Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Q: Who is most at risk for listeriosis? A: Pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk.

Q: What should I do if I ate the recalled Jimmy Dean sausage? A: Monitor yourself for symptoms of listeriosis and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms. — Jacksonville To St. Augustine: Your Ultimate Guide

Q: Where can I find more information about the recall? A: You can find more information on the USDA and Jimmy Dean websites.

Conclusion with CTA

The Jimmy Dean sausage recall serves as a critical reminder of the importance of food safety and the need to stay informed about potential hazards. By understanding the details of the recall and taking the appropriate steps, you can protect yourself and your family from the risks associated with Listeria contamination. Stay vigilant, check your freezers, and follow recall instructions to ensure a safe and healthy food supply. Visit the USDA website to stay informed about current and future food recalls.

Last updated: May 29, 2024, 14:33 UTC