The USDA Just Recalled Nearly 10 Million Pounds of Meat and Poultry
The United States Department of Agriculture is notifying consumers of another high-risk meat recall: nearly 10 million pounds of meat and poultry produced at a BrucePac plant that shipped all over the country between June and October may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
This is not the first instance of listeria being found in consumer meat products in recent memory. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in July opened an investigation—which is ongoing—into Boar's Head after deli meats containing listeria were linked to 59 hospitalizations and 10 deaths.
Which meat products are being recalled?
The recall covers ready-to-eat meat and poultry processed at BrucePac's facility in Durant, Oklahoma between June 19 and October 8. It includes products containing ingredients like grilled chicken strips and patties and sold in a variety of stores—including Trader Joe's and HEB—nationwide. Affected items were also distributed to restaurants and other food service vendors. The USDA has published an updated list of affected products with item codes as well as labels, lot codes, and best-by dates for prepared foods that should be tossed.
Contaminated products will have the establishment numbers 51205 or P-51205 inside or under the USDA inspection mark.
What to do if you have recalled products
Take an inventory of any products in your fridge that contain ready-to-eat meat and poultry and compare them against the recall list. If you find any, you should either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase, according to the USDA. The recall notice does not indicate that customers are eligible for a refund or compensation at this time.
Restaurants and other commercial kitchens that may have received contaminated meat are also encouraged to check their stock and toss any affected items.
Symptom onset of listeriosis can take up to 10 weeks. If you are concerned about illness, the USDA recommends consulting a healthcare provider.