Nearly 12 million pounds of BrucePac’s meat and poultry products face a recall due to a potential listeria threat, affecting schools, retailers, and consumers nationwide.
At a Glance
- Potential listeria contamination leads to nationwide recall of almost 12 million pounds of meat.
- The recall includes products distributed to schools and major retailers like Walmart and Costco.
- No illnesses reported despite the widespread recall issued for public safety.
- The recall stems from routine testing at a BrucePac plant in Durant, Oklahoma.
Massive Recall for Public Safety
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a significant recall of nearly 12 million pounds of BrucePac’s meat and poultry products over potential listeria contamination. Consumers are advised to check product labels and return or discard affected products, identifiable by USDA establishment numbers “51205 or P-51205.” This action follows routine testing at the BrucePac processing facility in Durant, Oklahoma, where listeria contamination was identified.
The products—consisting of ready-to-eat meals distributed to major retailers like Costco, Trader Joe’s, and schools throughout the United States—were produced between May 31 and October 8, 2023. Authorities have not reported any illnesses linked to this contamination, and the CDC has not activated an outbreak investigation. Consumers are encouraged to ensure their safety by discarding or returning the products for refunds.
BrucePac is recalling roughly 6,000 tons of ready-to-eat meals sold at Walmart, Target and other stores because they may be contaminated with listeria bacteria. https://t.co/lIgDLHhPcY
— 5NEWS (@5NEWS) October 16, 2024
Protecting Vulnerable Populations
Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, poses a serious threat to vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms in affected individuals can take up to 10 weeks to manifest following consumption of contaminated products. Around 1,600 people in the U.S. contract listeriosis annually, resulting in approximately 260 deaths. This recall aims to protect these high-risk groups against such potential infections.
“A nationwide recall of meat and poultry products potentially contaminated with listeria has expanded to nearly 12 million pounds and now includes ready-to-eat meals sent to U.S. schools, restaurants, and major retailers, federal officials said.”
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that those in high-risk categories avoid consuming deli-sliced meats unless they are reheated to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Consumers should seek medical attention if symptoms develop after consumption.
BrucePac’s Response and Consumer Safety
BrucePac, a family-owned business since 1949, supplies precooked proteins and is closely cooperating with the USDA to ensure safety and resolve the listeria issue. Production at the affected plant is currently halted until the problem is addressed. “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.”
“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.”
BrucePac is engaging with federal officials, prioritizing consumer safety. Meanwhile, consumers are urged to stay informed about recalls and execute recommended safety measures, including verifying establishment numbers and following proper disposal or return procedures. This recall, though vast, reflects the proactive steps being taken to mitigate associated health risks and underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and strict adherence to food safety standards.
