BrucePac, a prominent meat producer, has initiated a major recall of over 9 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) made the announcement on Wednesday, raising concerns about the safety of these widely distributed products.

The recall affects approximately 9,986,245 pounds of meat and poultry products that were produced between June 19, 2024, and October 8, 2024. These items were shipped to establishments and distributors nationwide and then distributed to restaurants and institutions.

FSIS Findings and Recall Scope
The issue was discovered during routine FSIS testing, which confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in finished poultry products. A subsequent investigation traced the contamination to BrucePac’s ready-to-eat chicken.

Consumers and establishments are advised to check for products bearing establishment numbers 51205 or P-51205 inside or under the USDA mark of inspection. A full list of the impacted items is available on the FSIS website. The FSIS strongly recommends that these products be discarded or returned to their place of purchase.

Health risks associated with this recall
While no illnesses have been confirmed in connection with this recall, the risk posed by Listeria monocytogenes is significant, particularly for pregnant individuals, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis, the infection caused by the bacterium, can lead to serious health complications, including invasive listeriosis, which occurs when the bacteria spread beyond the gastrointestinal tract.

About Listeriosis
Symptoms of listeriosis often include fever, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue and can appear anywhere from 1 to 70 days after consuming contaminated food. In high-risk groups, the infection can be life-threatening.

Consumers at higher risk are advised to avoid consuming meat sliced at deli counters unless it is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or served steaming hot.

For More Information
For more details on the recall, consumers can visit the FSIS website or contact BrucePac directly.

If you experience symptoms of listeriosis after consuming recalled products, please contact a healthcare provider immediately.