Orca Bay Foods, Inc. Recalls Red King Crab Legs and Claws Due to Possible Health Risk

Date of Recall

2005-10-07

Recall Details

Renton, Washington -- October 7, 2005 --- Orca Bay Foods, Inc. of Renton, Washington is conducting a nationwide voluntary recall of approximately 40,000 pounds of "red king crab legs and claws" because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and immuno-compromised individuals. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms (fever, headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea). Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. If persons recently consumed this product and experienced the listed symptoms they should visit their physician.

No Illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The frozen crab legs were sold to retailers and food service in 10 and 20 lb cases labeled "Orca Bay Seafood's, Inc. Renton, WA 98055". Each case was marked with a size, either "4-6", "6-9", "9-12", "12-14" or "selects", "broiler claws", and "splits". The product is sold thawed and/or frozen by weight in the frozen food and/or seafood departments in stores.

The recalled crab legs were distributed retail in Florida, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, through Sam's Club; Indiana through Roundy's; New Jersey through Shop-Rite (Wakefern), New York through Wegmans, Michigan through Spartan; Washington State through Associated Grocers, City Fish, Jack's Fish Spot & Metropolitan Markets. The product also entered commerce through food service distributors in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Washington State and Wisconsin. The recalled product would have been in retail outlets on/about May 20, 2005 through August 10, 2005, however the majority of the suspect product is under our direct control in the Renton, WA processing facility.

Consumers who have purchased red king crab legs during the specified time period from the retail stores identified are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-932-ORCA.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the United States Department of Commerce (USDC) revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in our bulk crab legs and claws. Orca Bay retains the USDC for this inspection service to give our customers added assurance through an independent evaluation.

The distribution of the suspect product lots has been suspended which FDA and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem.

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