Recall forces sandwich company out of business

Tests showed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in product samples, according to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The recalled products were distributed to convenience stores, gas stations and other retail stores in North and South Carolina and Virginia.

No illnesses related to the products have been reported.

A man who declined to give his name but identified himself as the manager at the company's Raleigh headquarters said Wednesday the 81-year-old firm had decided to go out of business. Forty people were laid off, he said.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Listeria can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

Healthy people coming in contact with Listeria may suffer short-term symptoms of high fever, a severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

"A lot of people will have Listeria infections may get sick and not even know it," said Dr. Allen Mask, of WRAL's Health Team.

Mask suggests anyone who thinks they may have been exposed should check with their doctor, especially if the symptoms get worse.