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Indumar Seafood Corp. Recalls Caribe Brand Fresh Crab Meat Because of Possible Health Risk

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Esteban J. Valles
          954-384-4999

For Immediate Release

Weston, FL - April 10, 2003 --Indumar Seafood Corp. of Weston Florida is recalling its 16 oz. Plastic containers of Caribe Brand Fresh Crab Claw Meat, Product of Venezuela, 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.

Caribe brand Fresh Crab Meat affected was distributed in Georgia, Texas, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York through retail outlets.

Caribe brand Fresh Crab Meat is packed in clear plastic 16-oz. containers with blue printing. The container has no code numbers or expiration dates. The "Claw" box is checked (X), indicating claw meat only.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling by the Food and Drug Administration, which revealed that the finished product contained the bacteria.

Consumers who have purchased 16 oz. Caribe brand crab meat (claw) between March 18, 2003 and April 10, 2003 may return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-INDUMAR.

FDA/Website Management Staff
Web page created by tg 2003-APR-11.