Massive recall due to listeria concerns
In a significant food safety alert, nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products have been recalled across the United States over fears of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall primarily affects products manufactured by BrucePac, a food company that produces ready-to-eat chicken items.
The contamination was discovered during routine inspections conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The affected products were manufactured between June 19 and October 8, 2024, and distributed to restaurants and other establishments nationwide. Authorities have expressed concern that some of the recalled products may have already reached consumers.
Identifying the affected products
The FSIS has advised consumers and food establishments to check the establishment numbers on the recalled products, which are labeled “51205” or “P-51205” near the USDA inspection mark. The agency urges the public to discard or return any affected products to the place of purchase.
What is listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a potentially serious infection. While listeriosis is rare, it can be fatal, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Listeria contamination is most commonly found in ready-to-eat foods, such as deli meats and pre-packaged chicken, as well as unpasteurized dairy products, fish, and seafood. What makes listeria especially dangerous is its ability to thrive in low temperatures, including inside refrigerators and freezers, making it harder to detect and eliminate.
How listeria affects the body
Listeriosis can lead to severe health issues, including meningitis, miscarriages, premature birth, and stillbirth. Symptoms of the infection typically include nausea, vomiting, fever, muscle pain, headaches, and a stiff neck. However, it may take up to 70 days for symptoms to appear after consuming contaminated food, complicating the detection process.
Preventing listeria contamination
To reduce the risk of listeria infection, experts recommend thoroughly cooking or reheating food, avoiding high-risk items like unpasteurized dairy products, and properly storing food to prevent contamination. Those who believe they may have consumed listeria-contaminated food are advised to seek immediate medical attention.
What to do if exposed
For those infected with listeriosis, treatment depends on the severity of the case. Mild infections typically resolve with rest and fluid intake, but more severe cases may require hospitalization and antibiotic treatment.
This recall comes amid growing concerns about foodborne illnesses in the U.S., with officials urging vigilance and careful attention to food safety warnings.
