ORA/Office of Enforcement
Division of Compliance Management and Operations
Listeria monocytogenes
Model Press Release (with example)
(WordPerfect 6.1 version)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE
COMPANY CONTACT AND PHONE NUMBER
FOOD CO. RECALLS PRODUCT BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK
Company Name of City, State is recalling Quantity and/or type of Product,
because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism
which 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.
Product was distributed Listing of the states and areas where the
product was distributed and how it reached consumers (e.g., through retail stores, mail
order, direct delivery).
Specific information on how to identify the product (e.g., the type of
container [plastic/metal/glass], size or appearance of the product, product brand name,
flavors, codes and expiration dates, etc.).
Status of the number of and types of related illnesses that have been
CONFIRMED to date (e.g., "No illnesses have been reported to date.")
Brief explanation about what is known about the problem, such as how it
was revealed, and what is known about its source. An example of such a description --
"the recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the company which
revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the
production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their
investigation as to what caused the problem."
Information on what consumers should do with the product and where they
can get additional information (e.g., "consumers who have purchased Brand X are urged
to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may
contact the company at 1-800-XXX-XXXX.)
####
(SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE)
XYZ Inc.
123 Smith Lane
Anywhere, MS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE
Sam Smith /555-555-5555
XYZ RECALLS "SNACKIES" BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK
XYZ Inc. of Anywhere, MS, is recalling its 5 ounce packages of "Snackies" food
treats because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an
organism which 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 "Snackies" were distributed nationwide in retail
stores and through mail orders.
The product comes in a 5 ounce, clear plastic package marked with lot #
666666 on the top and with an expiration date of 12/12/99 stamped on the side.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the
company revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 5 ounce packages of
"Snackies."
The production of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company
continue to investigate the source of the problem.
Consumers who have purchased 5 ounce packages of "Snackies" are
urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions
may contact the company at 1-800-XXX-XXXX.
####
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