10 Million Pounds of Meat Products Recalled Over Listeria Concerns

A massive recall of nearly 10 million pounds of meat and poultry products has been issued due to potential listeria contamination, raising concerns about food safety.

At a Glance

Approximately 10 million pounds of meat products from BrucePac have been recalled over listeria concerns.
The recall affects 75 different meat and chicken products produced between June 19 and October 8, 2024.
Products were distributed nationwide to restaurants, food service vendors, and other sites.
No illnesses have been reported, but consumers are advised to discard affected products.
Listeria can cause serious illness, especially in vulnerable populations.

Massive Recall Impacts Nationwide Food Supply

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on October 10 that BrucePac, a meat processing company, is recalling about 9,986,245 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. The recall was initiated after routine testing by the USDA detected listeria in poultry samples from BrucePac’s plant in Durant, Oklahoma.

The recall encompasses 75 different meat and chicken products, including popular items such as grilled chicken breast strips. These products were produced between June 19 and October 8, 2024, and have best-by dates ranging from June 19, 2025, to October 8, 2025. Affected items bear establishment numbers 51205 or P-51205 inside or under the USDA mark of inspection.

A recall of almost 10 million pounds of BrucePac ready-to-eat meat and poultry products is underway over the possibility of Listeria contamination. https://t.co/ZdvxsqfljC

— FOX 5 NY (@fox5ny) October 11, 2024

Widespread Distribution Raises Concerns

The scale of this recall is concerning due to the widespread distribution of the affected products. BrucePac’s meat and poultry items were distributed to restaurants, food service vendors, and other sites across the nation. This extensive reach means that consumers may have unknowingly purchased or consumed these potentially contaminated products.

Consumers are strongly advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for any of the recalled products. If found, these items should be discarded immediately or returned to the place of purchase. The USDA FSIS emphasizes the importance of not consuming any of the recalled products, even if they appear safe.

Understanding the Risks of Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 1,600 people get listeriosis each year in the United States, resulting in about 260 deaths.

Symptoms of listeria infection include fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. However, the consequences can be much more severe for certain groups. Older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women face a higher risk of developing serious complications from listeria infection.

While no illnesses have been reported in connection with the BrucePac recall, the potential for harm remains significant. The company and regulatory authorities are taking proactive measures to prevent any possible outbreaks and protect public health.

Staying Informed and Safe

As this situation continues to develop, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about the recall and take necessary precautions. Regularly checking for updates from the USDA FSIS and being vigilant about the products in your home can help mitigate the risks associated with this recall.

The BrucePac recall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety measures and the need for constant vigilance in our food supply chain. As investigations continue, authorities will work to identify the source of the contamination and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.