Florida-based food company M.E. Thompson, Inc. has announced a recall of its Anytime Deli Ham and Turkey Footlong sandwiches. This product is believed to have been contaminated by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.

The problem was discovered through a routine sampling done by the state of Florida’s Agriculture & Consumer Services Department. Results of the analyses done on the samples showed the presence of the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. The company immediately announced a voluntary recall and currently the product has already been taken out of the store shelves.

Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterial contaminant. A type of food poisoning called Listeriosis is caused by this bacteria. Typical symptoms of this infection include high fever, stiffness, abdominal pain, severe headache, nausea, and diarrhea. In pregnant women, a Listeria infection can cause miscarriages or stillbirths. In very young children, in elderly people, or in people who have weak immune systems, a Listeria infection can turn into a more serious medical emergency. To date, there has been no illness reported that is connected to the recalled product.

The recalled sandwiches were distributed last January 2 and 3 to South Georgia and Florida convenience stores. These sub sandwiches are sold under the brand “Anytime Deli”. The recalled sandwich is packed using a butcher wrap (white). A date code (best before date) is indicated on the circular label. A UPC code is also indicated on the package, just below the Nutrition label and the Ingredients label.

Consumers who may have bought this recalled sub sandwich are advised to return it to the store where it was bought in order to be given a refund. They may also call M.E. Thompson at 1-800-394-6258.