Massive 12 Million Pound Ready-to-Eat Meat Recall Expands Amid Listeria Concerns
Oct. 21st, 2024
A major recall of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products has expanded to include nearly 12 million pounds of food sold across the U.S. The nationwide recall, initiated by meat producer BrucePac and overseen by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), involves potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium that can cause serious illness. The recall now includes products distributed to major retailers, restaurants, and schools, impacting millions of consumers.
The initial recall, announced in early October, was already substantial, but on October 15, BrucePac expanded the recall by an additional 1.7 million pounds, bringing the total to 11,765,285 pounds of affected products. These ready-to-eat items were produced between June 19, 2024, and October 8, 2024, at BrucePac’s Durant, Oklahoma facility.
The massive list of recalled products spans 343 pages and includes a wide range of pre-made frozen meals, salads, wraps, and pasta bowls from popular brands like Fresh Express, Rao’s, Boston Market, Atkins, Dole, ReadyMeals, and Home Chef. Products were sold through major grocery retailers, including Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Target, Aldi, Kroger, and HEB.
The CDC warns that listeriosis can lead to severe complications, including meningitis, especially in at-risk groups. The symptoms can take up to several weeks to appear, making it a particularly dangerous pathogen in the food supply chain.
As the recall expanded, the USDA also released an updated list of schools affected by the contaminated products. More than 200 schools across 15 states, including New York, Georgia, Ohio, and Florida, received recalled ready-to-eat items. However, the FSIS clarified that none of the products were part of the USDA’s National School Lunch Program. Nonetheless, schools, institutions, and restaurants are urged to check their stock and avoid serving these products.
BrucePac has halted production at its Oklahoma facility until the contamination issue is resolved. Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are advised not to consume them. Instead, affected items should be discarded or returned to the point of purchase for a refund. The FSIS warns that some products may still be on store shelves or in freezers, urging consumers to check their food carefully.
The list of recalled items is extensive, with over 200 different products affected. Some notable recalls include:
- Red’s Grilled Chicken & Cheddar Burrito
- Jenny Craig Classic Chicken Carbonara
- Trader Joe’s Salad With BBQ Flavored Chicken
- Atkins Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo
- Boston Market Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
- Michelina’s Chicken Fried Rice
Consumers can visit the USDA website for a full list of recalled products, including establishment numbers and lot codes.