The USDA Just Recalled Nearly 10 Million Pounds of Meat and Poultry.
The USDA is notifying consumers of another high-risk meat recall: Nearly 10 million pounds of meat and poultry produced at the BrucePac plant and shipped nationwide between June and October may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
This is not the first time that listeria has been detected in consumer meat products recently. In July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched an investigation (which is ongoing) into Boar’s Head after deli meats containing Listeria were linked to 59 hospitalizations and 10 deaths.
What meat products are being recalled?
The recall affects ready-to-eat meat and poultry processed at the BrucePac facility in Durant, Oklahoma, between June 19 and October 8. It includes products containing ingredients such as grilled chicken strips and cutlets and is sold at a variety of stores including Trader Joe’s and HEB. – all over the country. The affected goods were also distributed to restaurants and other food service establishments. The USDA has published an updated list of affected products with item codes, as well as labels, lot codes and expiration dates for prepared foods that should be discarded.
Contaminated products will have establishment numbers 51205 or P-51205 within or under the USDA inspection mark.
What to do if you have a product recall
Take an inventory of all the items in your refrigerator that contain ready-to-eat meat and poultry and compare them to the recall list. If you find any, you should either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase, according to the USDA. The recall notice does not indicate that customers are currently eligible for a refund or compensation.
Restaurants and other commercial kitchens that may have received contaminated meat are also advised to check their supplies and throw away any contaminated items.
Symptoms of listeriosis can take up to 10 weeks to appear. If you are concerned about the disease, the USDA recommends consulting with your doctor.