Portland Shellfish Co. Inc, Recalls Claw Island Brand Lobster Claw and Knuckle Meat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- October 21, 2008 -- Portland Shellfish Co., Inc., South Portland, Maine is voluntarily recalling Frozen, Cooked -Claw Island brand Lobster Claw and Knuckle Meat, Lot 25508, packaged in 2 lb bags, 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- October 21, 2008 -- Portland Shellfish Co., Inc., South Portland, Maine is voluntarily recalling Frozen, Cooked -Claw Island brand Lobster Claw and Knuckle Meat, Lot 25508, packaged in 2 lb bags, 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.

The product was distributed to Pagano's Inc., 142 Water Street, Norwalk, CT and further distributed to restaurants.

The product is identified as K Maine Lobster Meat, packed by Portland Shellfish Co., South Portland, Maine. Each master carton contains 6/2 lb bags of claw and knuckle meat, Lot code 25508 and expiration date March 12, 2010.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered through random testing that the product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Consequently, we are recalling this lot from the market. Other lots are not involved. The company is continuing testing and has to date not discovered any other Listeria issues.