Oklahoma-based meat producer BrucePac has expanded its recall of meat and poultry products to over 11.7 million pounds following confirmed listeria contamination, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on Tuesday. The recall, which initially covered nearly 10 million pounds of meat products, now includes an additional 1,779,040 pounds, some of which were shipped to schools across the United States.
The FSIS stated that the expanded recall follows routine testing that detected the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause severe infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. The agency is currently gathering more information about the distribution of these products and aims to release a detailed list of the schools affected in the coming days.
The original recall, issued on October 9, listed nearly 75 items including chicken patties, chicken strips, diced chicken, and fajita meat produced between June 19 and October 8. These products were distributed to establishments and distributors nationwide and subsequently reached restaurants and institutions. BrucePac's wide array of clients includes industrial, food service, and retail sectors, as indicated on the company's website.
In the wake of this announcement, FSIS emphasized the importance of consumer awareness. "FSIS is continuing to gather distribution information and is committed to ensuring consumers have the information needed to identify recalled products effectively," the agency said in a statement. It advised consumers and establishments to check for affected products and dispose of or return any they may have purchased. No illnesses linked to the contaminated products have been reported so far, but the risk remains significant, according to health authorities.
BrucePac's products are commonly found in major grocery stores like Walmart, Trader Joe's, and Aldi, as well as in prepared meals sold at Costco and other retailers. FSIS's initial alert mentioned that ready-to-eat salads, wraps, frozen meals, and pastas sold under various brands could also be affected. The recall has thus raised widespread concern as consumers and institutions such as schools and hospitals scramble to ensure the safety of their food supplies.
Federal officials are also cautioning that many of the contaminated products could still be in circulation, either on store shelves or in refrigerators and freezers at homes and institutions. BrucePac has declined to release specific details on which schools received the products but stated that the information would be made available as the investigation progresses. The USDA is continuously updating the list of affected products, retailers, and brands, advising consumers to frequently check FSIS.gov for the latest information.
Major grocery chains impacted include Walmart, Target, Aldi, Amazon Fresh, and Trader Joe's, among others. Numerous brands under these retailers have been identified as potentially carrying the contaminated products. Notable brands like Fresh Express, Jenny Craig, Home Chef, and Taylor Farms are on the recall list, highlighting the extensive reach of BrucePac's distribution network. The USDA has released a 326-page document listing specific retailers, brands, and food items that may contain the recalled meats.
The listeria contamination is part of a larger trend of increasing food safety recalls across the country. Federal health officials are also investigating a separate listeria outbreak tied to Boar's Head deli meats and liverwurst, which has resulted in 59 reported cases and 10 deaths across 19 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expressed concern that the interconnected nature of food production and distribution could lead to more widespread contamination issues if not promptly managed.
Consumers with questions about the recall or their risk of exposure are urged to contact BrucePac directly. Jeff Golangco, the company's vice president of business development, stated that BrucePac is cooperating with FSIS and working to provide detailed information to the public as soon as possible. The company can be reached at 503-874-3000 for further inquiries.
The symptoms of listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, include fever, muscle aches, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance. In severe cases, the infection can lead to convulsions and can be life-threatening, particularly for pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems. The FSIS warns that people in these high-risk categories should seek medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming potentially contaminated products.
With the expansion of the recall, federal health officials and BrucePac are working to prevent any potential illnesses. Consumers, restaurants, and institutions are being urged to review their food stocks and immediately remove any products that may be linked to the recall. FSIS also recommends that consumers regularly consult its website to stay informed about new updates and the evolving list of affected products and retailers.
