10M Pounds Of Meat, Poultry Recalled Amid Listeria Concerns

DURANT, OK — An Oklahoma company is recalling nearly 10 million pounds of meat and poultry products because they may be contaminated with listeria.

In a recall alert shared by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, BrucePac said it was recalling 9,986,245 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products after routine testing confirmed they tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

The items were produced between June 19 and Oct. 8, according to the alert. The products were shipped to other establishments and distributors nationwide and then distributed to restaurants and institutions.

BrucePac produces various meat products, including chicken, beef, turkey and pork. Its website says it serves industrial, food service and retail clients.

According to the recall, the affected products bear the establishment numbers "51205 or P-51205" inside or under the USDA mark of inspection.

The company said the list of products and label information would be provided "when available."

No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported, according to the alert.

Eating food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or with weakened immune systems. People outside these risk groups are less affected.

Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, and are sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

The new recall comes amid a continued investigation into a listeria outbreak tied to Boar's Head deli meats and liverwurst. In three months, the outbreak has killed 10 people and sickened 59 in 19 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Federal health officials said they were concerned the affected BrucePac products may be available for use in restaurants, institutions, and other establishments. These other establishments may have used affected meat and poultry in ready-to-eat products that may be on store shelves or in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.

Restaurants, institutions and other establishments are urged not to serve or use these products. The products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Jeff Golangco, vice president of business development at BrucePac, at 503-874-3000.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information comes in.