(VitalNews.org) – In an alarming health risk for consumers, nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat beef and chicken products have been recalled nationwide due to potential listeria contamination.
BrucePac, a major meatpacker based in Durant, Oklahoma, initiated this massive recall, which raised serious concerns about food safety standards and government oversight in the nation’s food supply chain.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA) detected listeria in poultry samples during routine testing, prompting BrucePac to recall approximately 9,986,245 pounds of products manufactured between June 19 and October 8.
This staggering amount of potentially contaminated meat, weighing about 5,000 tons, was distributed nationwide to restaurants and institutions, putting countless Americans at risk.
In addition, the recall encompasses 75 different meat and chicken products, including popular items like grilled chicken breast strips.
With best-by dates ranging from June 19, 2025, to October 8, 2025, these products may already be in the refrigerators and freezers of unsuspecting consumers across the country.
While no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall, the threat of listeria contamination remains a serious concern.
Listeria can cause severe illness, with approximately 1,600 infections and 260 deaths annually in the United States.
Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and tiredness, which can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
Furthermore, this massive recall follows other recent food safety incidents that have shaken consumer confidence.
California-based cheese and dairy company Rizo-López Foods was recently ordered to cease production after listeria contamination led to two deaths.
The company, known for its Mexican-style cheeses, has been linked to multiple listeria outbreaks since 2014, resulting in hospitalizations and fatalities.
Even well-known brands like Boar’s Head have not been immune to these food safety issues. A listeria outbreak affecting at least ten people in 19 states led to the closure of a Boar’s Head plant in Virginia and the recall of over 7 million pounds of deli meats.
These incidents raise serious questions about the effectiveness of food safety regulations and the competence of government agencies tasked with protecting public health.
As Americans navigate this latest food safety crisis, it is crucial for consumers to stay informed and vigilant.
The USDA recommended checking refrigerators and freezers for any potentially affected products and discarding them if in doubt.
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