A major food safety alert has been issued as BrucePac, a prominent meat processor, recalls almost 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall, urging both commercial and consumer establishments to take immediate action to dispose of the affected products.
The recall involves approximately 9,986,245 pounds of products, all produced between June 19 and October 8, 2024, at BrucePac’s plant located in Durant, Oklahoma. The company, which is headquartered in Oregon, distributes its products under various brands, including Urban Bruce and City Grillers. FSIS emphasized that the potentially contaminated products may have already made their way to restaurants, institutions, and retail outlets across the country.
The contamination was discovered during a routine FSIS inspection, which identified the company’s ready-to-eat chicken products as the source of Listeria concerns. Though no illnesses have been reported so far, FSIS is urging extreme caution given the severity of the illness caused by Listeria infection, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Listeria monocytogenes can lead to listeriosis, a serious infection that can result in symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, more life-threatening conditions like meningitis or sepsis. Pregnant women, young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially at risk.
“The nature of these bacteria makes this a particularly dangerous situation,” said a spokesperson from FSIS. “Even though the contaminated products were distributed nationwide and used in food service, restaurants, and other establishments, the full scope of potential exposure is unknown, and the consequences of ingestion could be serious.”
Products affected by the recall carry the establishment numbers “51205 or P-51205,” located near or within the USDA inspection mark. Consumers are advised to check their freezers and refrigerators for the contaminated items. FSIS has provided a detailed list of all impacted products on its website and encourages consumers to either return or safely dispose of the recalled items. Additionally, restaurants and institutions are advised not to serve any of these products.
Foodborne illnesses caused by Listeria monocytogenes can take time to manifest, and those who suspect they may have consumed contaminated meat are encouraged to seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
BrucePac’s recall follows a broader trend of food recalls aimed at protecting public health from bacterial contamination, underscoring the importance of ongoing safety inspections. While no illnesses linked to BrucePac’s products have been reported to date, the company is working closely with FSIS to manage the situation and prevent any further risks to consumers.
For further details, including a full list of recalled products, visit the FSIS website or check with local distributors.