FDA Recalls Nearly 10 Million Pounds of Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Nationwide
If you have any ready-to-eat meat or poultry products in your fridge, you should check them immediately. The affected items have the establishment numbers “51205 or P-51205” under or inside the USDA mark of inspection. You can visit the FDA’s website for a full list of the item codes and products involved. If you find recalled products, throw them out immediately and avoid consuming them.
The FDA has issued a major recall that you need to know about. Almost 10 million pounds of meat and poultry from BrucePac, a company based in Oklahoma, are being recalled due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria. The recall covers products distributed between June 19, 2024, and October 8, 2024, sent to restaurants and distributors nationwide.
What Is Listeria?
Listeria is a dangerous bacteria that can grow in certain foods, particularly in cold environments like refrigerators. When you eat food contaminated with Listeria, it can lead to an illness called listeriosis. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea.
The bacteria are hazardous for pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, it can even lead to death, so handling food safely is crucial to avoid contamination.
Top 10 Tips to Prevent Foodborne Illness
Since food contamination can happen to anyone, practicing safe food handling is important. Here are some simple tips to help you avoid foodborne illnesses, including Listeria:
Cook Meat Thoroughly
Always make sure to cook your meat properly. Use a meat thermometer to check that your poultry reaches at least 165°F and your beef or pork gets to 145°F. Undercooked meat is a common source of harmful bacteria, so it’s best not to guess when it comes to temperature.
Choose Pasteurized Dairy
Avoid unpasteurized milk and cheeses, as they can be breeding grounds for Listeria. Soft cheeses like brie and feta are more likely to harbor the bacteria. Always opt for pasteurized versions, which are treated to kill harmful bacteria, making them much safer to eat.
Wash Fresh Produce
Even fruits and vegetables can carry bacteria, so always wash them thoroughly under running water before eating. This is true even if you plan to peel them, as dirt and bacteria on the surface can transfer to the inside when cutting or peeling.
Store Leftovers Safely
Leftovers can become a breeding ground for bacteria if not stored properly. Make sure to refrigerate them in airtight containers within two hours of cooking, and try to eat them within three or four days. Keep your fridge at 40°F or lower to prevent bacteria growth.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
When handling raw meat, always keep it separate from other foods, especially fresh produce. Use different cutting boards for meat and veggies, and wash your hands, knives, and surfaces after touching raw meat to avoid spreading bacteria.
Reheat Foods Properly
Reheating leftovers isn’t just about warming them up—it’s also about making sure they’re safe to eat. Bring sauces, soups, and gravies to a boil and ensure other leftovers are steaming hot all through to kill any lingering bacteria.
Don’t Rinse Raw Poultry
Contrary to many people, rinsing raw poultry does not remove bacteria. It can spread bacteria all over your sink and countertops. The best way to ensure safety is to cook poultry thoroughly without rinsing it beforehand.
Be Careful with Deli Meats
Listeria can survive in cold environments, making deli meats more prone to contamination. If you’re going to eat deli meat, heat it until it’s steaming hot. Pregnant women and those with weaker immune systems should be especially cautious.
Check Expiration Dates
Always check the expiration dates on meat, dairy, and other perishables. Foods past their expiration can be more likely to harbor bacteria. When in doubt, it’s better to be safe and toss out old items than risk getting sick.
Stay Up to Date on Recalls
Food recalls, like this one involving BrucePac, can happen at any time. Keep an eye on FDA and USDA websites for the latest recall news. If you have any products at home that are part of a recall, make sure to dispose of them immediately.
What To Do If You Have Recalled Products
If you find that you have any of the affected BrucePac products in your fridge or freezer, here’s what you should do:
Do Not Eat Them
Under no circumstances should you consume the recalled products. Even if they look or smell fine, they could be contaminated with Listeria, which is dangerous.
Dispose of the Products
Seal them in a plastic bag before throwing them away to prevent any further contamination.
Clean Surfaces
If the contaminated products were in your fridge, thoroughly clean the area with hot, soapy water. Disinfect surfaces, cutting boards, knives, and any other utensils that may have come into contact with the food.
Watch for Symptoms
If you think you may have consumed a recalled product and start feeling sick, especially with symptoms like fever, nausea, or diarrhea, see a doctor right away.
Resources: FDA
