Nearly 10 Million Pounds of Meat and Poultry Have Been Recalled Nationwide—Here's What You Need to Know
Yet another company is in the hot seat this week, thanks to product recalls. The last thing anyone wants to learn is that their meat and poultry products might be contaminated with Listeria. Such is the case, however, for BrucePac’s ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, as the Oklahoma based establishment has just announced a recall of approximately 9,986,245 pounds of meat.
The announcement came on October 9, singling out ready-to-eat meat and poultry items that were produced by BrucePac between June 19, 2024 and October 8, 2024. These specific items were shipped to establishments and distributors nationwide before being further distributed to other restaurants and institutions. After discovering that the meat may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) swiftly jumped into action.
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The specific products subject to recall will have establishment numbers "51205 or P-51205" located either inside or underneath the USDA mark of inspection. The FSIS discovered the possible contamination, thanks to routine product testing. After further investigation, BrucePac identified the Ready-To-Eat chicken products as the source of the contamination.
Thankfully, there have been no confirmed reports of illness or extreme reactions from customers who have consumed the products. For those unaware, listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, which is a severe infection that primarily affects older adults, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborn children. Anyone who is concerned about an illness is encouraged to reach out to a healthcare professional.
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Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and even convulsions preceded by diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Unfortunately, it's not just retailers who have the affected products on hand. Restaurants, institutions and other establishments may have these products on shelves or in refrigerators or freezers. Everyone is urged to not serve or consume the identified meat products, and instead, throw them away or return to the place of purchase for a refund.
As the investigation continues, more info will be provided regarding any other specific products included in the recall. Once available, the retail distribution list will be posted here. For now, those who have any further food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to [email protected].
Anyone who would like to report a problem with any meat, poultry or egg product can also do so online here, through the Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System, which can be accessed 24 hours a day.
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