A massive food recall affecting major U.S. retailers has been initiated due to a potential Listeria outbreak linked to nearly 12 million pounds of ready-to-eat meals. The reportedly affected retailers include Walmart, Amazon, Costco, Trader Joe’s, Target, and Aldi. The bacteria was found in precooked meats produced by BrucePac. Shoppers are alerted to return or dispose of such foods.
Nature of the Recall
BrucePac, a prominent meat processing facility in Oklahoma, has initiated a significant recall of nearly 12 million pounds of meat and poultry products due to potential Listeria contamination. These products, including ready-to-eat salads, pasta, and burritos, were distributed by major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Costco, covering a wide reach across the nation.
The affected products were processed between May 31, 2024, and October 8, 2024, and can be identified by establishment numbers “51205” or “P-51205″ marked under USDA inspection. Listeria contamination was identified during routine USDA testing, prompting immediate action to prevent potential health risks.
Health Risks and Safety Measures
Listeria monocytogenes, the pathogen involved, poses serious health risks, notably to pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. This bacterium is particularly challenging to control as it can thrive in refrigerator temperatures, thus extending the potential reach of contamination
“We are committed to providing safe, high-quality products. We are working closely with USDA to ensure that all necessary actions are taken to ensure a safe food supply. We will not resume production until we are confident the issue has been resolved,” BrucePac wrote on its website.
BrucePac has halted production and is collaborating with the USDA to resolve the issue safely. Symptoms of Listeria infection may manifest immediately or up to ten weeks post-consumption, indicating the importance of consumer awareness and precautionary measures.
CHECK YOUR FRIDGE 🍗 The USDA recently shared a 326-page document showing all of the products recalled over listeria concerns stemming from millions of pounds of ready-to-eat chicken. https://t.co/ofnIZFkoe7 pic.twitter.com/2x6VfDtinS
— 10 Tampa Bay (@10TampaBay) October 16, 2024
Steps for Consumers
Consumers should verify their food products against the USDA’s recall list or contact the retailer for information. The USDA has provided extensive resources, including a 345-page list of the recalled items and a hotline for further inquiries. Authorities express particular concern over the use of recalled products in public establishments such as restaurants and schools, urging immediate disposal.
“Because we sell to other companies who resell, repackage, or use our products as ingredients in other foods, we do not have a list of retail products that contain our recalled items,” the company said in a statement.
No illnesses have been reported so far. However, consumers are advised to discard or return any recalled items to the place of purchase for optimal safety. The USDA and BrucePac commit to taking further action to ensure public safety.
⚫️Massive recall for Listeria concerns includes prepared salads & burritos sold at Costco, Trader Joe’s, Target, Walmart, Kroger, and in US Schools (meat processed in Durant, Oklahoma).
⚫️Oklahoma is the only state in US that cannot do food borne illness tracking testing. https://t.co/2BLxnAK1Wl pic.twitter.com/KGj2x8fmP6— George Monks, M.D. (@GeorgeMonks11) October 16, 2024
