DENVER– State health officials today announced the recall of nearly 3,600 pounds of bacon bit products nationwide by the production company, Patrick Cudahy of Cudahy, Wis., due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

In Colorado, the bacon bit products were distributed to 7-Eleven convenience stores and smaller independent grocery stores in burritos and sandwiches. 7-Eleven stores sold the products labeled as, “Burritos with Potatoes, Bacon, Eggs and Monterey Jack Cheese” and “Chicken Club on Cracked Wheat Bread” sandwiches under their 7-Eleven label. Smaller independent grocery stores sold products labeled “Bacon, Egg, Potato, and Monterey Jack Burrito” under the Home Fresh sandwich label.

The distribution company, Home Fresh Sandwich Distributors, said all the affected products have been pulled from store shelves. Daniel Rifkin, Consumer Protection Division Wholesale Food Program manager, advised consumers not to consume the products and to consult their health care provider if they become ill from eating any of the products.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. However, listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, and serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and people with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. Listeriosis also can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.

The problem was discovered through in-house testing by an establishment that received the product. No illnesses have been reported.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Daniel Rifkin of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at (303) 692-3644.