BrucePac has announced the recall of approximately 9.9 million pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products due to concerns over potential listeria monocytogenes contamination. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) revealed that this recall encompasses products manufactured between June 19 and October 8, 2024.
These potentially contaminated items were distributed to various restaurants and institutions across the United States. It is crucial for businesses in the food and beverage industry to be vigilant, as the recalled products contain establishment numbers “51205 or P-51205,” which can be found beneath the USDA mark of inspection.
The contamination was identified during routine tests conducted by the FSIS, which found listeria monocytogenes in the finished poultry products from BrucePac. Although no adverse reactions have been reported to date, it is important to note that listeriosis—the illness resulting from the consumption of contaminated food—can pose serious health risks. This is particularly true for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and pregnant women.
Symptoms of listeriosis may include fever, muscle aches, and, in pregnant women, severe complications such as miscarriages and stillbirths. The FSIS has raised concerns that some of these products may still be in circulation, possibly present in restaurants, institutions, or even at consumer homes.
In light of these serious implications, the FSIS urges restaurants and other establishments not to serve or utilize these recalled products. All affected items should be discarded or returned to their point of purchase.
This recall follows several other high-profile incidents related to listeria in the U.S. Earlier this week, Rizo Lopez Foods, a cheesemaker, was forced to halt operations at its California facility due to detected listeria contamination. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California imposed a permanent injunction against the company and its co-owners after a thorough investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This investigation attributed 26 illnesses to the outbreak, occurring across 11 states, and resulted in 23 hospitalizations, including two fatalities. Notably, four of those affected were pregnant, one of which suffered a pregnancy loss.
Moreover, Boar’s Head announced the closure of its liverwurst manufacturing plant in Jarratt, Virginia, where a recent listeria outbreak led to nine deaths. The CDC reported that deli meats produced at this facility were linked to listeria, which resulted in 59 hospitalizations across 19 states.
