Massive Meat Recall: 11.7 Million Pounds of Meat and Poultry Products Recalled Over Listeria Concerns

A massive recall of meat and poultry products has been issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) due to concerns over listeria contamination. The recall affects nearly 11.7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, including those sold at major retailers such as Walmart, Publix, Target, Aldi, Amazon, Trader Joe's, and more. This extensive recall is one of the largest in recent history, highlighting the importance of food safety and the need for rigorous testing and inspection protocols.

The recall was prompted by routine testing that detected listeria monocytogenes in samples of ready-to-eat poultry products. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness that can lead to fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. It is particularly dangerous for older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant individuals.

The recall includes a wide range of products such as sandwiches, wraps, salads, frozen meals containing chicken products like pastas and burritos, and other pre-packaged foods. These products were produced from May 31, 2024, to October 8, 2024, and were shipped to various establishments and distributors nationwide before being distributed to restaurants, schools, and institutions. Consumers can identify potentially affected products by looking for establishment numbers '51205 or P-51205' inside or under the USDA mark of inspection.

The USDA has released a 343-page list of affected products, which is continuously expanding as more information becomes available. Consumers are urged to check the list regularly for updates and to discard any recalled products immediately. Retailers are also advised not to sell recalled products and to dispose of or return them to the supplier.

One of the concerning aspects of this recall is that some of the affected products were sent to schools across the United States. The USDA has identified dozens of schools in New York and New Jersey that received potentially contaminated meat and poultry products. While these products were not part of the USDA's National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, they were purchased directly by schools from other vendors.

The recall has sparked concerns about food safety practices in the industry. BrucePac, the company responsible for producing the contaminated meat and poultry, has temporarily halted production at its Durant, Oklahoma facility. The company has stated its commitment to providing safe and high-quality products and is working closely with the USDA to ensure all necessary actions are taken to resolve the issue.

Experts emphasize that while there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions linked to these products, it is crucial for consumers to follow the tried-and-true adage: 'If in doubt, throw it out.' The risk of listeria contamination is high enough that it is not worth taking any chances with potentially affected products.

The USDA's Food and Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) is continuing to gather distribution information and is committed to ensuring consumers have the information needed to identify recalled products effectively. As the recall expands, it is essential for consumers and retailers alike to remain vigilant and take immediate action if they suspect any products may be affected.

For more information on the recall and to find a full list of affected products, consumers can visit the USDA's recall site at FSIS.gov. It is also important for schools and other institutions to review their inventory and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of their food supplies.

In conclusion, this massive recall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining rigorous food safety standards in the industry. It underscores the need for continuous testing and inspection protocols to prevent such large-scale recalls from occurring in the future.

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