A major food safety alert has hit the U.S. food industry, with nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products being recalled after testing positive for Listeria contamination. BrucePac, an Oklahoma-based food producer, is at the center of this massive recall, which spans products produced from June to October 2024. The products have been distributed nationwide to restaurants, institutions, and other food establishments.
What Happened?
Routine testing conducted by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in RTE poultry products made by BrucePac. The findings have led to a wide-reaching investigation and urgent recall, as these contaminated items have likely reached a wide array of food outlets.
Though these products may be in your local restaurants or even in your freezer, the USDA is urging consumers and food establishments alike to take this seriously and check for the affected items.
Is It in Your Food?
The recall involves products labeled with the establishment numbers “51205” or “P-51205” under the USDA inspection mark. Make sure to look out for these numbers on packaging, whether you’re storing the meat products at home or ordering a meal.
While no illnesses have been reported so far, consumers are urged to be cautious. Listeria infections can take up to 70 days to develop, and symptoms range from flu-like discomfort to severe complications, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
What Should You Do?
If you’ve consumed any of the potentially contaminated products, watch for symptoms such as persistent fever, muscle aches, nausea, and headaches. Medical attention should be sought immediately if symptoms develop.
The safest course of action is to discard any suspect meat or poultry products or return them to the place of purchase. Restaurants, food distributors, and institutions are being urged to stop serving these items immediately.
A full list of the affected products is available on the USDA website.
Listeria: The Silent Contaminant
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that often flies under the radar because contaminated food doesn’t look or smell spoiled. But it can cause severe illness, leading to life-threatening complications, especially for those with weakened immune systems. For pregnant women, a Listeria infection could even result in premature delivery or stillbirth.
This recall serves as a reminder of the hidden dangers in our food supply and the importance of vigilance in food safety. Stay informed, stay cautious, and spread the word to help prevent any serious outbreaks.
Source: FSN
Reach out to Fresh Group Food Safety And Quality Consulting for any inquiries related to food quality and safety.
