On March 27, 2000, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) advised the Department of a recall of Ball Park brand hot dogs because of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The following information is being provided for answering consumer inquiries:

Product Recalled: Ball Park brand Beef Franks and Ball Park brand Franks (made with beef and pork, turkey) in one pound packages.

Production Dates/Identifying/Codes: Packed on January 25, 2000, with a code of "APR 03 EST12PAB _ _." Any two characters may follow the "B."

Federal Establishment: 00012PAM/00834 P
Ball Park Brands, 8400 Executive Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153

Consumer Contact: Diane Prindle, 800-556-9700

Quantity Recalled: Approximately 34,500 pounds

Distribution: Florida, Missouri, New York, Virginia, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Delaware, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Maryland.

The Department does not have specific information on stores in New Jersey that may have received this product. The USDA will be conducting recall effectiveness checks and the firm will be advising customers through facsimile and letter. Contact the Food and Milk Program at (609) 588-3123 if you need additional information. Full text of recall notification is on the USDA web site http://www.usda.gov under Meat Product Recalls.