A recall affecting close to 12 million pounds of pre-cooked meat and poultry has sent shockwaves through major grocery chains, restaurants, and schools across the country. Federal officials are scrambling to understand the full extent of contamination, with the possibility of more items being added to the recall list.
The recall was initiated by BrucePac, an Oregon-based chicken processor, after listeria was found in samples of their ready-to-eat poultry during a routine inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Initially, 9.9 million pounds of poultry and meat products were recalled on Oct. 9, with an additional 1.8 million pounds added to the recall more recently.
Due to BrucePac’s distribution of chicken to be further processed or used in various ready-to-eat meals, it has been challenging for the company and USDA officials to determine the full scope of affected products. BrucePac stated that they do not have a comprehensive list of retail products containing the recalled items.
The recall list issued by the USDA includes prepackaged salads, frozen meals, and various other products from a range of retailers, both physical stores and online services. Private brands from grocery stores like Trader Joe’s, Kroger, 7-Eleven, and Amazon Fresh are included in the extensive 342-page recall list.
The affected products were manufactured at BrucePac’s facility in Durant, Oklahoma, between June 19 and Oct. 8, with expiration dates extending into 2025. The recall list has continuously grown, expanding from 75 products to hundreds, with an update confirming distribution to schools.
Consuming food contaminated with listeria can lead to listeriosis, a potentially fatal infection for vulnerable populations. A recent listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meat has tragically resulted in multiple deaths and sparked legal action.
As the USDA continues to investigate and update the recall list, consumers are advised to rely on official information to ensure their safety. Additional products may be added to the recall, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and cautious when purchasing pre-cooked meat and poultry products.