Possibly Contaminated Chicken Salad Sold in Exeter

Chicken salad that may be contaminated with Listeria was sold in Exeter, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

Boston Salads and Provisions Company, Inc. is recalling approximately 223,000 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken salad products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. The products were produced between Aug. 23 and Oct. 14 and shipped to wholesalers for further distribution to retail locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

New Hampshire retail locations that distributed the recalled items include Mr. Mike’s stores in Contoocook, Fitzwilliam, Winchester, Dover, Bow, Manchester, Peterborough, Stoddard and Jaffery; Exit 3 Travel Stop in Portsmouth, Phillips Academy Grill in Exeter, Dodge's Country Store in New Boston, The Corner Deli & Pizza in Pelham, Lavallee Oil in Suncook, Dover Paint and Varnish, Newbury Quick Stop, Spofford Pizza and Willy B's Take Out in Manchester.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services said it is not aware of any illnesses in the state related to this recall.

Case labels or packaging may bear the sell-by dates ranging from "9/13/2013" through "11/4/2013," as well as the establishment number "P-17999" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

"It is important that all consumers, including retailers who may purchase larger containers for redistribution, check their freezers for this product," said Dr. José Montero, director of public health at DHHS. "We are going to be keeping a close eye on this situation and continue monitoring for affected products and possible cases of illness. We will keep the public informed of any new developments." 

Infection with listeriosis can produce such symptoms as fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. If the infection spreads to the central nervous system, symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics, so anyone who suspects they may have the illness should contact their health care provider.

For questions about listeriosis, contact the DPHS Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at 603-271-4496. For more information about listeriosis, visit http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/index.html.