Massive 10-Million Pound Meat Recall: Listeria Contamination Sparks Nationwide Health Alert

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BrucePac, a food processing company based in Durant, Oklahoma, is recalling nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued the recall on October 9, 2024, after routine testing revealed the presence of the dangerous bacteria in BrucePac's RTE chicken.

The recall affects products made between June 19, 2024, and October 8, 2024, which were distributed to restaurants, institutions, and other establishments across the nation. Affected items bear the establishment numbers "51205" or "P-51205" within the USDA mark of inspection. Consumers and businesses are urged to check refrigerators and freezers for potentially contaminated items.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable groups like pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues, and in severe cases, it can lead to miscarriages or stillbirths in pregnant women, as well as life-threatening infections.

While no illnesses have been reported as of yet, the FSIS is warning restaurants, institutions, and food suppliers to stop serving or using the affected products. They should be discarded immediately or returned to the place of purchase.

The FSIS is conducting recall checks to ensure contaminated products are no longer available to the public. For more information, consumers can visit the FSIS website or contact BrucePac directly at 503-874-3000.

If you believe you have consumed contaminated food and are experiencing symptoms of listeriosis, seek medical attention immediately.