The recent nationwide recall of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products has now expanded to nearly 12 million pounds, affecting food distributed to U.S. schools, restaurants, and major retailers. Initially announced in mid-October, BrucePac, in collaboration with the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), added more than 1.7 million pounds of potentially contaminated products to the recall list. This brings the total volume of affected goods to a staggering 11,765,285 pounds.
The contaminated items, which may harbor Listeria monocytogenes, include a broad array of frozen meals like salads, wraps, pasta bowls, burritos, and stir fries from well-known brands such as Fresh Express, Boston Market, Atkins, and Home Chef. Retailers where the affected products are sold include major grocery chains like Kroger, Walmart, Publix, Trader Joe’s, and Target, making the impact widespread.
BrucePac, based in Durant, Oklahoma, produced the ready-to-eat products between June and October 2024. The company has vowed to work closely with the USDA to ensure all necessary measures are in place to maintain a safe food supply. Production will remain halted until the contamination issue is fully addressed.
The health risks associated with consuming products contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes are severe, particularly for older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The infection, known as listeriosis, can cause fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms and can lead to serious complications like miscarriages, stillbirths, or even life-threatening infections.
The USDA’s FSIS has urged consumers and businesses to dispose of or return any potentially contaminated products. They are concerned that some of the recalled items may still be in circulation or stored in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers, making it crucial for individuals and institutions to take the recall seriously.
