revealed yesterday.

Now US manufacturer Oscar Mayer has issued a recall of more than 28,000 pounds of meat used in two different products after listeria bacteria was found by US Government food inspectors.

Listeriosis can lead to meningitis, which can cause miscarriages or stillbirths in women, or fatal infections, especially among those already ill with other diseases.

Symptoms of the disease -- which was connected with nine deaths and three miscarriages following the discovery of the bacteria in products from another manufacturer last year -- include fever, severe headaches and nausea.

The recall -- of packs sent all over the US and parts of the Caribbena -- came after a woman fell ill in Missouri, according to the firm and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The attack prompted USDA inspectors to test Oscar Mayer packages for the bug.

A USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service spokesman said: "Because of the potential of foodborne illness, we urge consumers who have purchased the suspect product not to eat it and to return it to the point of purchase.'' But yesterday Ed Sousa, general manager of Butterfield & Vallis, which imports the brand to the Island, said the firm had already alerted shops and supermarkets supplied with the potentially dangerous meats.

And he added: "There is no need for consumers to panic -- anyone who may have any of the product in their refrigerator should return it to where they bought it for a full refund.'' He was speaking after Oscar Mayer Foods Corp. recalled 10-ounce packs of All American Variety Pak, which contains sliced turkey breast and ham, and Club Sandwich Variety Pak, which contains cotto salami, bologna and chopped ham, all produced in Wisconsin on the same day -- on October 29.

But Mr. Sousa said only the All American Variety Pak was imported to Bermuda and that the best-by date of January 12 meant it should no longer be available in stores.

"We would have been very surprised if any was left because it had that best-by date. I think we are in the clear in Bermuda -- we're taking precautionary measures and we're awaiting more detail from Oscar Mayer.'' US reports listed Bermuda as one of the countries affected by the scare.

Mr. Sousa said: "We probably do have product from that particular factory, but not necessarily that particular product.

"In all likelihood, if it had been an issue in this particular market, we would have heard about it before now.'' And Chamber of Commerce retail grocers' section Tredick Gorham said it was was still not clear if packs from the affected run came to Bermuda -- although full checks were taking place.

The suspect packs have JAN 12 stamped on the rear upper left corner and have the codes EST 537A or P-1449 in the USDA inspection mark. Consumers with questions can call a Oscar Mayer hotline between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. on 1-800-433-9362.

HEALTH HTH