Almost 10 million pounds of meat products are being recalled nationwide, including in Wisconsin, due to listeria concerns, as announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture last week.
This recall impacts items from major grocery chains such as Aldi, Target, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, and 7-Eleven, among others.
The contaminated products were distributed by BrucePac, a pre-cooked meat producer based in Oklahoma. The recall was initiated after routine testing detected listeria monocytogenes in its ready-to-eat poultry. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium known to cause the foodborne illness listeriosis.
As of now, nearly 10 million pounds, specifically 9,986,245 pounds, of meat and poultry products are included in the recall. The affected products range from ready-to-eat salads to frozen meals, with a comprehensive list available in a 326-page USDA document updated on October 10.
The recalled items were produced between June 19 and October 8, 2024, with most displaying establishment numbers 51205 or P-51205. However, some products may have different establishment numbers due to changes during distribution.
Currently, there have been no confirmed illnesses reported in connection to the recalled meat. The USDA advises individuals who have concerns regarding their health after consuming any BrucePac products to consult a healthcare provider.
The USDA continues to update the list of stores that sold the recalled meat, with over half located in Wisconsin. Notable retailers that carried the affected products include Walmart, Meijer, Target, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, 7-Eleven, Wegmans, Amazon Fresh, Kroger, Albertson’s, Publix, H-E-B, Giant Eagle, and Save Mart.
Several brands have been identified in this recall, which is still being updated by the USDA. These include Fresh Express, Rao’s, Boston Market, Atkins, Dole, and Jenny Craig, among others.
If you have bought any of the recalled meat, it is recommended that you dispose of it or return it to the store where it was purchased. Restaurants should also avoid serving these products and either discard them or return them to the distributor.
Listeria infections are significant contributors to foodborne illness deaths in the U.S., posing severe risks particularly for pregnant individuals, newborns, seniors over 65, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can appear between 24 hours and two weeks after consuming contaminated food, and may include fever, fatigue, headaches, and confusion, among others.
Most people recover with rest and hydration, but more severe cases may need antibiotic treatment. If you experience symptoms after consuming the contaminated products, it is advised to seek medical attention and inform your provider about the food you ingested. Those without symptoms after eating the contaminated food generally do not require medical care.