Massive 12 Million-Pound Meat Recall Due to Listeria Worries

"Recall" stamp on blurred store aisle background.

BrucePac faces a crucial challenge as its meat and poultry recall expands to nearly 12 million pounds due to listeria concerns.

At a Glance

  • A national recall has expanded to include nearly 12 million pounds of meat and poultry products.
  • Recalled items were distributed to schools, restaurants, and major retailers.
  • Potentially contaminated items were processed at the BrucePac facility in Durant, Oklahoma.
  • No reported illnesses, but product return or disposal is advised.

BrucePac Faces Widespread Recall

A significant recall involving nearly 12 million pounds of meat and poultry products from BrucePac has been announced due to possible listeria contamination. Originating from routine tests by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, initial alerts prompted the recall’s expansion. The affected items, widely distributed to U.S. schools and retailers such as Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart, necessitate immediate consumer attention.

This recall highlights a vital safety alert for those relying on BrucePac’s products, including key distributors like Kroger and Target. Processed between May 31 and October 8 of this year at BrucePac’s plant in Durant, Oklahoma, the suspected contaminated products prompt heightened inspection and caution from consumers.

Consumer Safety Measures

The FSIS confirmed that while no illnesses have been reported thus far, the seriousness of potential listeriosis is underscored, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Consumers should ensure they observe critical product identifiers. Recalled goods bear establishment numbers “51205 or P-51205” under the USDA mark of inspection.

This precautionary step reflects a commitment to public safety, given that symptoms of listeriosis can emerge even weeks post-consumption. People falling into high-risk categories should avoid any deli-sliced meats unless adequately reheated and should remain vigilant about symptom emergence.

Resolving the Issue and Looking Forward

BrucePac takes proactive measures in collaboration with the USDA to resolve this issue, halting production until assured of consumer safety. Their commitment to resolving this matter is reflected in their close work with the USDA and prompt recall actions, emphasizing industry responsibility in handling food safety challenges.

“We are working closely with USDA to ensure that all necessary actions are taken to ensure a safe food supply,” BrucePac said in a statement. “We will not resume production until we are confident the issue has been resolved.”

While the CDC has not initiated an outbreak investigation yet, the heightened recall process underscores the need for consumers to remain informed and proactive in avoiding potentially hazardous products. The public must stay attuned to such alerts to safeguard national health and well-being.

Sources:

  1. Listeria recall grows to 12 million pounds of meat and poultry, some of it sent to US schools
  2. Listeria recall expands to nearly 12 million pounds of meat, hits US schools
  3. Listeria recall grows to 12 million pounds of meat and poultry, some of it sent to US schools
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