Over 200 schools in 17 states and the District of Columbia have been impacted by the recent BrucePac recall of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, according to an Oct. 17 update released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
The affected states include Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
FSIS said the recalled products distributed to schools were not part of the USDA’s National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, stating “Schools also purchase food directly from other vendors.”
The recall, first announced Oct. 9, initially included 9,986,245 pounds of recalled meats but has since been expanded to 11,765,285 pounds, including additional products and production dates.
BrucePac, a family-owned company specializing in fully-cooked meats based in Durant, Oklahoma, is recalling the ready-to-eat meat and poultry items produced between May 31, 2024, and Oct. 8, 2024. The recall was initiated due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
FSIS discovered the problem during routine product testing. The agency stated, “Subsequent FSIS investigation identified BrucePac RTE chicken as the source of the Listeria monocytogenes.”
Consumption of such monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection most common in older adults, immunocompromised, or women who are pregnant and their children.
Side effects include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions which are sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other stomach problems, according to the agency. The infection is more problematic for pregnant women as it can cause miscarriages, still births, premature delivery, or can be life-threatening for newborn infants.
For those in the mentioned higher-risk categories, it is advised to consult with a health professional if any flu-like symptoms are experienced within two months of eating contaminated food, according to the notice.
The recalled products have establishment numbers “51205 or P-51205” printed under or inside the USDA mark of inspection, according to the agency. They were distributed nationwide to schools, restaurants, and institutions.
As of the latest update, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions related to the consumption of the recalled products. FSIS said the affected products may still be available for use in various establishments or in consumers’ refrigerators and freezers.
The agency advised, “These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”
FSIS will continue to update the list of affected products and distribution information, they said.