Nearly 10 million pounds of meat, poultry recalled nationwide over listeria risk

TOPEKA ( KSNT ) – Federal health officials say nearly 10 million pounds of meat and poultry products distributed nationally are being recalled due to listeria risks.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ( USDA ) Food Safety and Inspection Service ( FSIS ) announced on Wednesday, Oct. 9 that BrucePac of Durant, Oklahoma is recalling more than 9.9 million pounds of ready-to-eat poultry and meat products. The products may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.

This recall was given a “ High – Class I ” status by the FSIS, meaning it involves a health hazard situation where there exists a high risk for people coming into contact with the recalled product.

The FSIS said the products were made from June 19, 2024, to Oct. 8, 2024, and shipped to establishments and distributors nationally. The products were then sent to restaurants and other institutions.

Products impacted by the recall bear establishment numbers “51205 or P-51205” inside or under the USDA mark of inspection. A full list of products impacted by this recall was not made available upon the initial announcement from federal health officials but will be released at a later date.

The FSIS said the issue was discovered after routine testing found the meat and poultry products produced by BrucePac were positive for listeria. Follow-up investigative work found BrucePac chicken was the source of the listeria.

No confirmed reports of adverse reactions have been made yet in connection to the recalled meat and poultry. Those who do have concerns are encouraged to contact a healthcare provider.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) reports on its website that listeria poses a large risk for those who are pregnant, newborns, older adults and those who have weakened immune systems. Others who become infected with listeria may become ill, but not seriously. Symptoms can include fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, diarrhea and vomiting. Pregnant women infected with listeria may experience a miscarriage, stillbirth or premature delivery.

The FSIS is concerned that some of the recalled products may still be available for use at restaurants, be on store shelves or in customers’ refrigerators or freezers. The FSIS encourages you to throw the products away or return them.

People who have questions about this recall can contact Jeff Golangco, vice president of Business Development at BrucePac, at 503-874-3000. You can also contact the USDA’s meat and poultry hotline by calling 888-674-6854 or by sending an email to mphotline@usda.gov.

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