In a food safety recall, BrucePac, an Oklahoma-based company, has recalled nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall impacts 9,986,245 pounds of various products distributed nationwide to restaurants and institutions, according to a recent alert by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The Scope of the Recall

The recall includes both meat and poultry products produced between June 19 and October 8, 2024. The FSIS identified the contamination during routine testing, specifically finding Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat chicken products. The establishment numbers associated with these products are 51205 or P-51205. (Poultry Recalled Brucepac Meat Recall).

BrucePac has issued an urgent request to all restaurants and institutions that received these products to stop using or serving them immediately. Consumers who may have purchased the products should return them to the place of purchase or discard them to avoid any potential health risks.

What is Listeria?

Listeria is a bacteria that can lead to a severe infection called listeriosis, which is especially dangerous for vulnerable groups such as older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, confusion, and gastrointestinal distress. While no illnesses have been reported from this recall as of now, the bacteria’s incubation period can be lengthy, taking up to 10 weeks for symptoms to appear.

USDA’s Food Safety Alert

The USDA emphasized the seriousness of this recall, urging establishments to thoroughly check any BrucePac products in storage, refrigerators, or freezers. The recalled products have a best-by date ranging from June 19, 2025, to October 8, 2025. Any food items showing these dates should be disposed of or returned.

Consumers with concerns about illness should contact their healthcare provider. BrucePac has also provided a customer support line at 503-874-3000, and food safety questions can be addressed through the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854).

Previous Listeria Outbreaks Raise Concerns

This recall follows a deadly listeria outbreak earlier in 2024 that affected another major food producer, resulting in multiple hospitalizations and fatalities. The BrucePac recall is part of a broader initiative by the USDA and other regulatory bodies to tighten food safety standards and reduce the risks posed by foodborne illnesses.