A nationwide recall of meat and poultry products potentially contaminated with listeria bacteria has expanded to nearly 12 million pounds. The recall now includes ready-to-eat meals sent to U.S. schools, restaurants and major retailers, federal officials have confirmed. Prepared salads, burritos, and other foods sold at stores like Costco, Trader Joe’s, Target, Walmart, and Kroger are affected. The meat processed at a Durant, Oklahoma plant operated by BrucePac is at the center of the recall. BrucePac, a Woodburn, Oregon-based company, sells precooked meat and poultry to various companies nationwide.
Routine testing uncovered potentially dangerous listeria bacteria in samples of BrucePac chicken. Despite this, no illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the recall, says the U.S. Agriculture Department. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is yet to launch an outbreak investigation. The recall, which was issued on October 9, pertains to foods produced between May 31 and October 8. A 342-page list detailing hundreds of potentially affected foods has been released by the USDA, including items like chicken wraps from Trader Joe’s, chicken burritos from Costco, and various salads from Target and Walmart. These contaminated foods have made their way to school districts and restaurants countrywide.
Consumers are advised to check for establishment numbers “51205 or P-51205” inside or under the USDA mark of inspection to identify affected products. Those who have purchased such items should discard them immediately or return them to the stores for a refund, according to officials. Listeria infections can lead to serious illness, with about 1,600 people infected annually in the U.S., resulting in approximately 260 deaths, as per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, and can manifest within 10 weeks of consuming contaminated food. These infections are particularly risky for older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
The same strain of bacteria has been linked to an outbreak associated with Boar’s Head deli meat, which has claimed at least 10 lives since May. The sheer scale of the recall and the potential health risks highlight the importance of strict adherence to food safety regulations and stringent testing procedures throughout the food supply chain. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in ensuring the safety and quality of food products consumed by the public to prevent such outbreaks and safeguard public health.