The extensive BrucePac meat recall that was announced last week has been further expanded as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to identify and add potentially contaminated products to the recall list.

Initially announced on October 9 without a list of products, the recall involved 9,986,245 pounds of meat and poultry suspected of possible listeria contamination. This figure rose on Wednesday to include an extra 1,779,040 pounds, making the total weight reach 11.8 million pounds. It was also disclosed that some of the recalled meat has been sent to schools.

The USDA published an ongoing label and product list with images on October 11, which has expanded to 343 pages as of Thursday. Although Wednesday’s update warned that potentially contaminated BrucePac meat might be in U.S. schools, the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) did not yet provide detailed information about specific locations of schools affected as of Thursday afternoon.

An editor’s note in the latest update stated, “FSIS is actively collecting distribution data and is dedicated to providing consumers with the information needed to identify recalled products efficiently.”

BrucePac and the USDA have not yet responded to requests for commentary.

On its website, BrucePac stated that it has temporarily halted production at its Durant, Oklahoma facility in response to the recall, expressing its commitment to delivering safe, high-quality products.

They added, “We are collaborating closely with the USDA to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to maintain a safe food supply. We will not resume production until we are confident the issue is resolved.”

‘Not worth the risk,’ Says Food Safety Attorney

In an ideal situation, companies like BrucePac would have complete oversight of their products and distribution channels, according to food safety attorney Bill Marler, who spoke with YSL News on Thursday. However, due to the complex nature of distribution, tracking becomes nearly impossible. Manufacturers often sell to vendors who then sell to other vendors, ultimately leading to the product making its way into meals at grocery stores.

“The major concern is that we’re facing a rolling recall where new products are being added,” he explained. “With an incubation period of up to 70 days, individuals who consumed the meat weeks ago are still at risk.”

This lack of visibility contributes to the delayed and incomplete dissemination of recall information, he noted.

“This situation illustrates the necessity for manufacturers to practice good manufacturing processes to prevent such problems from arising in the first place,” he emphasized. “It further highlights the need for enhanced testing for listeria in ready-to-eat products, as FSIS has reduced their testing.”

Given the extensive recall impacting a variety of ready-to-eat and frozen meals, such as salads, wraps, and other prepared foods, Marler advises consumers to adhere to the maxim: “When in doubt, throw it out.” Since compiling a comprehensive list of affected items proves challenging, any pre-made meals that might contain chicken or beef related to the recall should be discarded.

“While this might seem wasteful if ultimately there’s no contamination, the chance of listeria is significantly high,” he cautioned. “It’s simply not worth the risk.”

Which Products Are Affected by the Recall?

The recall primarily involves prepared foods such as sandwiches, wraps, and salads. It also includes frozen meals containing chicken, such as pastas, burritos, bowls, and family meal options.

The ready-to-eat meat and poultry products were produced between May 31, 2024, and October 8, 2024, and were shipped to various establishments across the country before reaching restaurants, schools, and other institutions.

Products affected by the recall will have establishment numbers “51205 or P-51205” printed inside or below the USDA inspection mark.

For an up-to-date and full list, visit FSIS.gov.

Which Stores Carry the Affected Products?

The USDA is actively updating the list of affected products and recommends checking FSIS.gov regularly as this list may not be complete.

• Walmart
• Kroger
• Albertson’s
• Publix
• Target
• Aldi
• Amazon Fresh
• Trader Joe’s
• 7-Eleven
• H-E-B
• Meijer
• Giant Eagle
• Wegmans
• Save Mart

Which brand names are affected by the recall?

The USDA is consistently updating the list of items involved in the recall and encourages individuals to regularly check FSIS.gov. This list might not include every affected item.

• Fresh Express
• Rao’s
• Michael Angelo’s
• Boston Market
• Atkins
• Dole
• Jenny Craig
• El Monterey
• Don Pancho’s
• ReadyMeals
• Amazon Kitchen
• Taylor Farms
• Giant Eagle brand
• H-E-B brand
• Kroger brand
• Home Chef
• Meijer brand
• RaceTrac brand
• Raley’s
• Save Mart brand
• Trader Joe’s brand
• Wegman’s brand
• Central Eats
• Red’s
• Udi’s
• Great Value (Walmart) brand
• Gordon Choice
• Michelina’s
• Good & Gather
• Little Salad Bar
• Signature Select
• Marketside
• Amazon Fresh
• Contessa Premium Foods
• Whitsons’ Culinary Group
• Bell & Evans
• Fusia
• HMS
• KitchenMate
• Mom’s Meals

Steps to take if you have a recalled product

The USDA recommends that consumers who have bought these items refrain from eating them. Instead, they should discard or return the items to where they were purchased. Retailers carrying these products are also advised not to sell them and to dispose of or return the recalled items.

No confirmed cases of negative health effects have been reported in connection to these products, but anyone who is worried about potential illness or injury should reach out to their healthcare provider.

Symptoms of listeriosis or listeria poisoning

Listeriosis, commonly referred to as listeria poisoning, is a foodborne illness caused primarily by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. It poses serious health risks and can be particularly dangerous for older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.

Listeriosis or listeria poisoning symptoms

Listeriosis, or listeria poisoning, results from infection by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. This condition can be very serious, especially for older adults, those with compromised immune systems, and pregnant individuals.

As per USDA guidelines, the symptoms include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• A stiff neck
• Disorientation
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures
• Diarrhea
• Other digestive issues
• Possible miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and/or severe infections in newborns
• Death

Individuals at greater risk who notice flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming contaminated food should seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about their consumption of the tainted food, according to the USDA.