BrucePac Recalls 10 Million Pounds of Meat for Listeria—Check Your Groceries Now!

Pre-cooked meat producer BrucePac has recalled a staggering 9,986,245 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to potential listeria contamination. The recalled products, including chicken and turkey items, were distributed to major retailers nationwide such as Aldi, Trader Joe’s, HEB, Walmart, Kroger, Wegmans, and 7-Eleven.

Recall Scope and Impact

The massive recall, initiated between June 19, 2024, and October 8, 2024, encompasses a wide range of products like salads, pasta dishes, and rice bowls. This extensive list of affected items underscores the scale of the issue and the potential risk posed to consumers across the country.

In a statement addressing the recall, BrucePac said, “After learning that ready-to-eat chicken tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, we stopped production and immediately recalled all products that may have been affected. We are working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to notify consumers and contact the food companies and distributors to whom we sold the recalled products.”

Health Risks and Concerns

Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria detected in the products, can cause listeriosis—a serious infection that poses significant health risks, particularly for pregnant women, newborns, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis can lead to severe complications such as meningitis, septicemia, and even death.

“Listeriosis is a severe disease caused by the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, pregnant women, and newborns,” say the researchers of a study published in Journal of Food Science and Technology about recent research findings about Listeria monocytogenes, the cause of foodborne illness.

USDA Involvement and Food Safety

The recall was initiated after routine testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) detected listeria in samples of BrucePac’s ready-to-eat poultry products. The FSIS plays a vital role in ensuring food safety by conducting regular testing and issuing recalls when necessary, highlighting the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting public health.

Consumer Reactions and Concerns

News of the massive recall has left many consumers concerned about the safety of their food. A mother of two, who wanted to remain anonymous, expressed her worries, saying, “It’s scary to think that the food I’ve been buying for my family could be contaminated. I’ll definitely be double-checking my fridge and freezer for any recalled products.”

As per WHO, “In past outbreaks, foods involved included ready-to-eat meat products, such as frankfurters, meat spread (paté), smoked salmon and fermented raw meat sausages, as well as dairy products (including soft cheeses, unpasteurized milk and ice cream) and prepared salads (including coleslaw and bean sprouts) as well as fresh vegetables and fruits.”

Next Steps and Recommendations

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are urged not to consume them and to either discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Those seeking more information about the recall can visit the FSIS website or contact BrucePac directly.

As the recall continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety measures and the need for continued vigilance in preventing contamination. Industry experts recommend that food manufacturers implement more stringent testing protocols and improve traceability to quickly identify and address potential issues.

In the meantime, consumers are advised to practice safe food handling techniques, such as thoroughly cooking meats and keeping raw products separate from ready-to-eat items, to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Here’s the list of products consumers should be aware of as part of the BrucePac recall:

1. Ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, including chicken and turkey items
2. Salads containing recalled meat products
3. Pasta dishes containing recalled meat products
4. Rice bowls containing recalled meat products
5. Frozen meals containing chicken products
6. Pre-packaged foods containing the recalled meats
7. Sandwiches containing recalled meat products
8. Wraps containing recalled meat products
9. Burritos containing recalled chicken products
10. Family meals containing recalled chicken products

The recall affects products sold under various brand names at major retailers including:

• Walmart
• Kroger
• Albertson’s
• Publix
• Target
• Aldi
• Amazon Fresh
• Trader Joe’s
• 7-Eleven
• H-E-B
• Meijer
• Giant Eagle
• Wegmans
• Save Mart

Consumers are advised to check the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) website for a complete and updated list of affected products, as the list continues to expand.

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Here is the  list of other brands that consumers should be aware of regarding the same recall issue:

1. Fresh Express
2. Rao’s
3. Michael Angelo’s
4. Boston Market
5. Atkins
6. Dole
7. Jenny Craig
8. El Monterey
9. Don Pancho’s
10. ReadyMeals
11. Amazon Kitchen
12. Taylor Farms
13. Home Chef
14. RaceTrac
15. Raley’s
16. Central Eats
17. Red’s
18. Udi’s
19. Great Value (Walmart brand)
20. Gordon Choice
21. Michelina’s
22. Good & Gather
23. Little Salad Bar
24. Signature Select
25. Marketside
26. Amazon Fresh
27. Contessa Premium Foods
28. Whitsons’ Culinary Group

Additionally, several store-specific brands are affected:

29. Giant Eagle brand
30. H-E-B brand
31. Kroger brand
32. Meijer brand
33. Save Mart brand
34. Trader Joe’s brand
35. Wegman’s brand

Consumers should check products from these brands carefully and consult the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) website for the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of affected products.