BrucePac Recalls 10 Million Pounds of Meat and Poultry Products: What You Need to Know
Major Food Recall Impacts Millions
BrucePac, a major food processing company, has issued a massive recall affecting 10 million pounds of meat and poultry products. The recall was triggered by potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious illness, including meningitis and even death. This recall is a serious matter and consumers need to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions.
What Products Are Affected?
The recall encompasses a wide range of meat and poultry products, including:
- Ground Beef: Both raw and cooked ground beef products, sold under various brand names.
- Chicken Breasts: Both raw and pre-cooked chicken breast products, including those used in frozen meals and pre-made dishes.
- Turkey Burgers: Raw and pre-cooked turkey patties and burgers.
- Sausage: Various types of sausage, including Italian sausage and breakfast sausage.
What to Do if You Have Affected Products
Don't take any chances! If you have purchased any of the products listed in the recall, it is crucial to:
- Check the product labels: The recall information should be available on the product packaging, including the specific product names, production dates, and lot numbers.
- Do not consume the product: Even if the products look and smell normal, it's best to err on the side of caution. Do not consume any of the affected products.
- Discard the product immediately: Throw away any affected products immediately, even if you have already opened them. Do not attempt to cook or freeze the products.
- Contact BrucePac: Contact BrucePac directly if you have any questions or concerns about the recall.
Symptoms of Listeria Infection
Symptoms of Listeria infection can appear between 2 and 30 days after consuming contaminated food. The most common symptoms include:
- High fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stiff neck
Who Is at Risk?
While anyone can get sick from Listeria, some individuals are more susceptible to infection, including:
- Pregnant women
- Infants
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
How to Reduce the Risk of Listeriosis
While this recall highlights the importance of food safety, here are some general tips to reduce your risk of Listeriosis:
- Thoroughly cook meat and poultry: Cook meat and poultry to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to kill harmful bacteria.
- Wash hands, surfaces, and utensils thoroughly: Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. Wash surfaces and utensils thoroughly with hot soapy water.
- Separate raw meat and poultry from other foods: Store raw meat and poultry on a separate shelf in the refrigerator and avoid cross-contamination during preparation.
Staying Informed
It's important to stay updated on any developments related to this recall. You can do this by checking the following resources:
- BrucePac Website: The BrucePac website will provide the latest updates and information about the recall.
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website: The FDA website will have the latest recall information and safety advice.
- News Outlets: Major news outlets will likely provide updates and information about the recall.
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety practices. By being aware of potential risks and taking necessary precautions, you can help protect yourself and your family from foodborne illness.
