Frozen Mini Quesadillas, Pizzas Sold in NH Recalled

Rich Products Corporation, a Buffalo, N.Y. firm, is recalling approximately 196,222 pounds of frozen chicken quesadilla and various other frozen mini meals and snack items because they may be contaminated with E. coli, according to the New Hampshire Department of Public Health.

A total of 24 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O121 have been reported from 15 states. Although the product was distributed in New Hampshire, no cases of E. coli O121 linked to this outbreak have been identified in New Hampshire thus far.

The following products are subject to the recall:

• 7.2-oz. cartons of Farm Rich mini pizza slices with cheese pepperoni and sauce in pizza dough, UPC code 041322376909 with a best by date of May 15 or May 16, 2014.
• 22-oz. cartons of Farm Rich mini pizza slices with cheese pepperoni and sauce in pizza dough, UPC code 041322356437 with a best by date of May 15 or May 16, 2014.
• 18-oz. bags of Farm Rich mini quesadillas with cheese, grilled white meat chicken in a crispy crust, UPC code 041322356352 with a best by date of May 14, 2014.
• 21-oz. bags of Farm Rich philly cheese steaks with cheese, beef & onions in a crispy crust, UPC code 041322356345 with a best by date of May 13, 2014.
• 22-oz. cartons of Farm Rich mozzarella bites in a pizzeria style crust, UPC code 041322374431 with a best by date of May 19, 2014.
• 7-oz. cartons of Farm Rich mozzarella bites in a pizzeria style crust, UPC code 041322376916 with a best by date of May 19, 2014.
• 22-oz. bags of Market Day Mozzarella Bites, UPC code 041322804358 with a best by date of May 12, 2014.

The products subject to recall were produced between Nov. 12, 2012 and Nov. 19, 2012 and then distributed for retail sale nationwide. Products involved in the recall should be discarded or returned to the original point of purchase for a full refund or replacement.

“Due  to  the  long  shelf  life  of  these  products, it is important for consumers  to check their freezers for the recalled product,” said Dr. José Montero, director of public health at the state DHHS.

Infection with E. coli O121 can result in dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2 to 8 days (3 to 4  days, on average) after exposure to the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called HUS, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. This condition can occur among persons of any age, but is most common in children under 5 years
of age and older adults.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall should contact Rich Products Corporation's consumer line at (888) 220-5955, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, or visit the company's website at www.farmrich.com. For
more information about the recall, go to www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_025_2013_Release/index.asp.