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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS:

August 4, 2014 Jeff Squibb (217) 558-1546

MCHENRY COUNTY FOOD COMPANY RECALLS UNINSPECTED PRODUCTS

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Jones Packing LLC, a Harvard, Ill., establishment, has recalled approximately 432 pounds of uninspected ham, hocks, and bacon. Under state and federal regulations, meat products produced without the benefit of inspection are considered unfit for human consumption and are required to be recalled.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) discovered the potential health hazard during an investigation that is ongoing. Meat and Poultry inspectors determined the products included in the recall were not produced using mandatory HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) plans, a systematic, preventive approach to food safety that seeks to eliminate risks from biological, chemical and physical hazards in production processes.

IDOA has received no reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned they may have contracted a food-borne illness should contact their health care provider.

Products subject to the recall were sold under the label “Farmer Nicks LLC” and “Jones Packing LLC.” They bear the establishment number “EST. 21783” inside the Illinois Mark of Inspection, although some packaging has the Illinois Mark of Inspection blacked out with a marker. Production dates range from March to July 2014. Additional package information follows:

· 3-4 lb. packages labeled “ham”

· 1 lb. packages labeled “bacon,” “pepper bacon,” “jowl bacon,” “maple bacon,” “apple bacon,” “pepper jowl bacon,” “apple jowl bacon” and “maple jowl bacon”

· 1 lb. packages labeled “pepper jowl”

· 1-2 lb. packages labeled “hocks”

-more-


RECALL/2222

IDOA routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that recalled product is no longer available to consumers.

Consumers and reporters who have questions about the recall should contact the plant’s representative, Rhonda Weidner, at (815) 943-4488.

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