Massive Listeria Recall Expands to Nearly 12 Million Pounds, Including School Distribution
A significant recall by meat producer BrucePac has expanded to nearly 12 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to potential Listeria contamination.
Initially, 9 million pounds were recalled last week, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on October 15 that the recall now includes an additional 1.7 million pounds.
This expanded recall also affects U.S. schools, with products being distributed across major cities such as Philadelphia, New York City, Washington, D.C., and others.
Items like prepared salads, burritos, and other convenience foods sold at major retailers like Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart are impacted.
BrucePac’s recall stems from FSIS product testing, which detected Listeria monocytogenes in finished poultry products.
Although no illnesses have been reported yet, the FSIS urges consumers to check labels for establishment numbers “51205” or “P-51205” to identify the recalled products. Some items may carry different numbers due to further distribution and processing.
Listeria infection, while rare, can be severe, especially for high-risk groups such as pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
The CDC reports symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues can appear as early as the same day or up to 70 days after consuming contaminated food.
FSIS officials recommend consumers heat deli-sliced meats to 165°F before consumption to minimize the risk. BrucePac has yet to comment on the expanding recall.
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