approximately 10 million pounds of meat have been withdrawn due to listeria-related apprehensions
Various tainted goods have been dispensed to eateries and establishments across the country. Impacted items might have been incorporated into ready-to-eat products now accessible in stores or in customers' refrigerators or freezers, or they could be used by restaurants and different establishments, as per the USDA.
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service identified the issue during regular testing of finished poultry products, the government agency stated. BrucePac's ready-to-eat chicken was pinpointed as the source of the listeria, which could have affected other ready-to-eat meat and poultry items manufactured between June 19 and October 8.
Listeria bacteria leads to listeriosis, the third most common source of death from food-borne illness in the United States. Symptoms can include fever, muscle pain, and exhaustion. An infection can also bring about a rigid neck, a headache, confusion or seizures. Individuals most at risk for severe outcomes are elderly people, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.
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No confirmed cases of detrimental reactions due to the consumption of these products have been reported as of Wednesday, according to the USDA. However, some individuals who become ill may recover without being tested for listeria, and it typically takes several weeks to associate an illness with an outbreak. Symptoms of a listeria infection may not manifest until up to 10 weeks after exposure.
“Restaurants, institutions, and other establishments are advised against serving or using these products. These products should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase,” the USDA advised. “Anyone with health concerns should consult a healthcare professional.”
This recall follows a fatal listeria outbreak connected to recalled Boar’s Head deli meat, the country's largest in more than a decade. Since the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initiated an investigation in July, there have been 59 hospitalizations and 10 deaths.
The USDA advises against using or serving the recalled BrucePac chicken due to the potential listeria contamination, posing a health risk to vulnerable individuals. Consuming contaminated food can lead to listeriosis, a serious infection causing symptoms like fever, muscle pain, and exhaustion.
