The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant recall involving 11.8 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from BrucePac due to possible listeria contamination. This follows a similar recall of Boar’s Head deli meats in July, marking two major listeria-related food recalls in just a few months.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can contaminate food and lead to severe health issues, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems. The infection, which can cause symptoms ranging from flu-like effects to severe neurological complications, is of particular concern because listeria can grow even in cold environments, making it especially dangerous in refrigerated foods like deli meats and cheeses.
The recent recall highlights how listeria can contaminate cooked foods during packaging or slicing, even after cooking kills the bacteria. Contamination can occur at multiple points in food processing, often involving surfaces like knives, tables, and conveyor belts. The bacteria are known to form biofilms, making it harder to clean and disinfect equipment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeria affects around 1,600 people annually in the U.S., with approximately 260 deaths, making it the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the country.