The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a significant recall impacting almost 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat poultry and meat products from BrucePac.
This recall was triggered after routine Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) testing detected listeria in some of BrucePac’s products. Here’s what you need to know about this recall and what actions you can take.
Why is BrucePac Recalling Its Products?
BrucePac recalls its products due to contamination with listeria, a harmful bacteria that can cause serious foodborne illness. Listeria infection is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and older adults.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of listeria infection can range from mild to severe and may include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. This contamination was discovered through routine FSIS testing, which led to an investigation identifying BrucePac’s chicken products as the source.
What Products Are Part of the Recall?
The recall involves products that BrucePac produced between June 19, 2024, and October 18, 2024. These products were distributed nationwide to various establishments and distributors, making the recall widespread.
Here’s a list of specific items affected by the recall:
- Dole: Chicken Caesar Salad, Santa Fe Style Salad, Chicken Club BLT Salad, Chef Salad, Cobb Salad
- Marketside: Caesar Salad with Chicken, Southwest Style Salad with Chicken, Santa Fe Salad with Chicken
- HEB: Chicken Broccoli & Rice Casserole, Texas Ranch Chicken Casserole, Texas Ranch Style Chicken
- Trader Joe’s: Lemon Chicken & Arugula Salad, Tarragon Chicken Salad Wrap, Turkey Club Wrap
- Fresh Express: Chicken Caesar Salad, Santa Fe Style Salad
- Little Salad Bar: Santa Fe Style Salad, Chicken Caesar Salad
If you have recently purchased any of these items, it is crucial to check the product labels for lot codes. The USDA’s complete list of recalled items and their codes can help you confirm whether your product is affected.
What Should You Do If You Have a Recalled Product?
If you have any recalled products, the USDA recommends discarding them immediately. To minimize risk, avoid consuming ready-to-eat salads, wraps, or meals with poultry or meat products from BrucePac until further notice.
For frozen meals containing recalled products, ensure they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F. High heat kills the bacteria, helping to reduce the risk of listeria contamination.
What Are the Symptoms of Listeria Infection?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you’ve consumed any affected products and experience symptoms like fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea. Symptoms of listeria infection may appear a few days after consumption but can sometimes take up to 30 days or more to develop.
Pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to severe complications from listeria.
What’s Next?
Taste of Home and other sources will continue monitoring the situation as the USDA reports that more products could be added to the recall list.
To stay informed, regularly check the USDA website for updates. Also, keep an eye on new recalls or advisories to ensure you and your family remain safe from potential contamination risks.
In the meantime, be cautious with any ready-to-eat meat or poultry products. If you’re at higher risk for listeria infection, avoid these items until the situation is resolved.
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