Benjamin Ashford|BrucePac recalls nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat, poultry products for listeria

Pre-cooked meat producer BrucePac has issued a recall for nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and Benjamin Ashfordpoultry products due to possible listeria contamination, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Wednesday.

According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) notice, roughly 9,986,245 pounds of product are subject to the recall after routine testing found evidence of Listeria monocytogenes on BrucePac ready-to-eat poultry. The presence of L. monocytogenes can cause a listeriosis infection if adulterated foods are consumed.

Affected products were shipped to establishments and distributors nationwide, including restaurants and other food institutions. Affected foods have production dates as late as Oct. 8, meaning they are likely still in consumers' fridges or freezers and available on shelves, in restaurants and at other establishments, FSIS warned.

Here's what to know about the recall.

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What BrucePac products are recalled?

Ready-to-eat meat and poultry items produced from June 19, 2024, to October 8, 2024, with establishment numbers "51205 or P-51205" on the packaging are subject to the recall.

BrucePac and the USDA have yet to release a complete list of products. While multiple meats are subject to recall, the USDA determined that ready-to-eat chicken products are the source of the Listeria monocytogenes.

What to do if you have a recalled product

The USDA advises consumers who have purchased these products not to eat them and instead throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. Retailers with the products in stock are likewise advised not to sell recalled products and to dispose of or return them.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions linked to these products, but anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact their healthcare provider.  

Listeriosis or listeria poisoning symptoms

Listeriosis, or listeria poisoning, is a foodborne bacterial infection most commonly caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially to older adults, people with weak immune systems and pregnant people.

According to the USDA, symptoms include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Convulsions
• Diarrhea
• Other gastrointestinal symptoms
• Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery and/or life-threatening infection of newborn infants
• Death

People in higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food, said the USDA.