The United States Department of Agriculture has expanded a recall of nearly 10 million pounds of “Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry” to include an additional 1.7 million pounds of products potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall, initiated by BrucePac, a pre-cooked protein company based in Oklahoma, includes chicken, beef, turkey, and pork products produced between May 31 and Oct. 8 and shipped to distributors nationwide, including schools, restaurants, and other institutions.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause the disease listeriosis, with symptoms ranging from mild fever and muscle aches to severe headaches, confusion, and even death. While there have been no confirmed reports of illness from consuming the contaminated meat, the FSIS is advising consumers to discard or return the products to the place of purchase.
The FSIS discovered the possible contamination during routine testing of products containing ready-to-eat poultry from BrucePac. Further testing identified BrucePac Ready-To-Eat chicken as the source of the listeria monocytogenes. The recall is labeled as a “Class I” or “High Risk,” as eating these products can lead to serious health problems or death.
Although a list of affected schools is not yet available, the FSIS recalls website will provide updates as more information becomes available. Consumers concerned about potential illness from consuming the recalled products should contact their doctor for advice.
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