Federal Government Seizes Frozen Crab Products Due To Listeria Contamination

About 5,000 cases of frozen crab products have been seized by U.S. Marshals because they are tainted with listeria.

The ready-to-eat crabs were processed by Rome Packing Company, Inc. in East Providence, Rhode Island, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Ocean Catch's brand of Jonah Crab products that were prepared, packed, and processed at the facility are being recalled for listeria.

The FDA inspected the Rome Packing facility in Lakeville, Massachusetts, and observed that the company did not maintain adequate temperatures to store the crab meat and had poor sanitary practices.

"The FDA made several efforts to help Rome Packing correct processes, but the company failed to take adequate corrective measures," said Melinda K. Plaisier, the FDA's associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. "In this case, we had to intervene and seize this adulterated food to prevent it from reaching consumers."

Last year, Rome Packing had to recall Ocean Catch's All Natural Crab Leg Meat because of listeria, too.

Rome Packing has suspended operations for now, and no illnesses have been reported. Listeria is a bacterium that causes food poisoning, which can result in fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea.