BrucePac, a producer of ready-to-eat meat and poultry items, has recalled over 9.9 million pounds of products due to possible listeria contamination. According to a CNN report and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) alert, dozens of recalled products have been distributed to restaurants and institutions nationwide.
The affected products may have been used in ready-to-eat products that are in stores or in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Officials said they may also be available for use by restaurants or other establishments.
Federal Agencies Issue Warnings
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) discovered the problem during routine product testing of finished poultry products. BrucePac ready-to-eat chicken was identified as the source of the listeria, which may have affected other ready-to-eat meat and poultry items produced between June 19 and Oct. 8.
While there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to the consumption of these products, officials said they recognize that some people who become ill recover without being tested for listeria. It may take several weeks to link an illness with an outbreak, and it could also take up to 10 weeks for symptoms of listeriosis to begin.
The USDA urges restaurants, institutions, and other establishments not to serve or use these products. They are asking that these products be discarded or returned to the place of purchase. Officials also say anyone concerned about an illness should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
This recall follows a deadly listeria outbreak linked to recalled Boar’s Head deli meat, the country’s largest in over a decade. So far, 59 hospitalizations and ten deaths have been reported since the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched an investigation back in July.
What is Listeriosis, and Why is it Dangerous?
Listeria monocytogenes is a serious infection that typically results from eating contaminated food. While healthy individuals may experience relatively mild symptoms, listeriosis poses a significant health risk, especially for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Listeria bacteria can be found in various food products, particularly in raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy products, ready-to-eat deli meats, and certain types of seafood.
Listeria is unique in its ability to grow even at low temperatures, meaning it can proliferate in refrigerated foods. Contaminated food is the most common source of infection, but transmission can also occur from mother to child during pregnancy.
Listeriosis may cause mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea in healthy individuals.
However, in more severe cases, especially in high-risk individuals, the infection can spread to the nervous system, causing life-threatening complications like meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) or septicemia (blood infection). Pregnant women are at particular risk because listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.
Listeriosis is dangerous primarily because of its potential to cause severe, life-threatening infections. For those with compromised immune systems, the infection can rapidly spread, leading to long-term complications or even death if not promptly treated.
The mortality rate for severe listeriosis can be as high as 20% to 30%, making it one of the more lethal foodborne illnesses. Moreover, because Listeria can also survive in refrigerated environments and is resistant to many food preservation techniques, it can contaminate food products even under careful storage.
What Food Safety Practices Are Essential?
Restaurants and other establishments must follow strict food safety practices to prevent listeria contamination and ensure their customers’ health and safety.
Because the bacteria can grow in refrigerated environments and survive for long periods, food handling, storage, and sanitation protocols are essential for minimizing the risk of food poisoning.
Here are some of the key safety practices restaurants and other establishments that serve food must follow:
Strict temperature control
Restaurants must maintain refrigerators at or below 40°F and freezers at or below 0°F. Appliances should be regularly monitored with thermometers. Prepared foods, particularly ready-to-eat items like salads, deli meats, and soft cheeses, should be kept refrigerated at the correct temperature until served.
Foods should not be left at room temperature for extended periods. Ready-to-eat foods should be discarded if stored for more than seven days to avoid contamination risks.
Sanitation and cleaning
All food preparation surfaces, equipment, and utensils must be cleaned and sanitized frequently, especially after contact with raw meat or unwashed produce.
Cutting boards, countertops, and refrigerators should be sanitized daily to prevent bacteria from surviving in the kitchen environment. All restaurant staff must wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food and raw meats and using the restroom. Proper hand hygiene is crucial in preventing bacteria from spreading to food.
To prevent cross-contamination
Raw meats, poultry, and seafood must be stored separately from cooked or ready-to-eat foods. Restaurants should use designated cutting boards, utensils, and storage areas for raw and cooked items. Foods should be stored in tightly sealed, labeled containers to prevent cross-contamination between ingredients.
Cooking and reheating guidelines
Restaurants must ensure that meats, poultry, and seafood are cooked to the appropriate internal temperatures to kill listeria and other harmful pathogens that could cause food poisoning.
All pre-cooked foods and leftovers should be reheated to at least 165°F before serving to kill any bacteria that may have developed during storage.
Employee training
Restaurant staff members should receive regular training on food safety practices, including on how to prevent listeria contamination. Employees should be educated about proper hygiene, food handling, temperature monitoring and the importance of regular cleaning.
If You Have Suffered from Food Poisoning
Suppose you or a loved one has been sickened due to a listeria outbreak because of contaminated products or a lack of proper food safety measures. In that case, it is important that you first receive prompt medical care and treatment. Report your illness to the local public health agency, which tracks such outbreaks and illnesses.
Make sure you preserve all evidence that is pertinent to your illness. Contact an experienced California food poisoning lawyer who can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair and total compensation for all your injuries, damages, and losses.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/10/health/brucepac-listeria-recall-ready-to-eat-meat-poultry/index.html
