USDA Recalls 11 Million Pounds of Listeria-Contaminated Meat from Schools

The U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA recently announced that over 150 schools received potentially listeria-contaminated ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from BrucePac, an Oklahoma-based producer.

This follows the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service’s findings that all products manufactured by BrucePac in Durant, Oklahoma, between May 31 and October 8, are no longer considered safe.

BrucePac expanded its recall from 9.9 million to 11 million pounds of food, affecting schools and stores in several states, including Pennsylvania, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Indiana.

The recall, first initiated on October 11, has not yet been linked to any confirmed adverse reactions as of October 17.

The USDA identified BrucePac’s ready-to-eat chicken as the source of the listeria outbreak. Listeria can lead to listeriosis, a serious illness characterized by symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, confusion, and convulsions.

It poses a heightened risk to the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women, potentially causing life-threatening conditions or miscarriages.

This recall coincides with an ongoing investigation by lawmakers into a separate, deadly listeria outbreak involving Boar’s Head products.

 

Leave a Comment