Durant, Oklahoma-based BrucePac has issued a massive recall of nearly 10 million pounds of “ready-to-eat” meat and chicken products due to potential contamination with LIsteria monocytogenes (Listeria), Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Background
The potential presence of Listeria was uncovered during routing testing by the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of BrucePact ready-to-eat poultry products.
A further investigation revealed that BrucePac ready-to-eat chicken was the source of the Listeria contamination.
Distribution
The affected products were distributed nationwide to restaurants and other institutions.
Product Details
- The total volume of recalled product is 9,986,245 pounds.
- No details about product labels or list of products are available at this time.
- The recalled products bear the establishment numbers “51205 or P-51205” inside or under the USDA mark of inspection.
- The affected products were manufactured between June 19, 2024 and October 8, 2024.
Commercial and Consumer Action
Restaurants and other institutions, such as schools and hospitals, should check their inventory for the recalled products as they still may be available.
As with all food recalls, consumers are strongly advised to discontinue use of the affected products even if they look or smell safe to eat.
Anyone in possession of the recalled products are requested to not sell, serve, or distribute them.
The affected product should be returned to the location of purchase or disposed of immediately.
Anyone with additional questions or concerns can contact Jeff Golangco, Vice President Business Development at BrucePac at 503-874-3000.
Consumers with questions regarding food safety can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline by phone at 888-674-6854 or via email at [email protected].
Health Risks
There have been no reports of illness or injury in connection with the consumption of the impacted products.
Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous for certain vulnerable populations. Pregnant individuals, people aged 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, sometimes preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant individuals, listeriosis can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of Listeriosis should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
The second half of 2024 has already seen one large-scale recall of approximately 7 million pounds of sliced Boar’s Head deli meats also due to potential Listeria contamination.
Commenting on this story, one national Listeria lawyer who has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in the Boar’s Head incident, said “So far, it appears there have been no reported illnesses in connection with the recalled products. Any consumer who has come into contact with the affected meat and chicken products, and is experiencing symptoms of food poisoning or other illness, should contact their doctor immediately. Listeria can be deadly for certain members of the population.”
