A big withdrawn has been announced for nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products because of listeria concerns. The withdrawn comes from BrucePac, a food company based in Oregon, after tests by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) found listeria in some of their products made at a plant in Oklahoma.
What’s being withdrawn? The withdrawn includes around 75 different meat products, including grilled chicken strips, chicken patties, and pre-cooked chicken strips. These items were made between June 19 and October 8, 2024.
Where Can You Find Them? These products were sold at several major retailers, such as Trader Joe’s, Walmart, H-E-B, and Aldi. You should check your fridge or freezer for any of these items.
How to Check: Look for the establishment numbers 51205 or P-51205 on the packaging and check the best by dates, which go from June 19, 2025, to October 8, 2025.
What Should You Do? If you have any of the recalled products, it’s best to throw them away or return them to the store where you bought them.
Listeria can cause a serious illness known as listeriosis, which may lead to symptoms like:
Fever
Muscle aches
Diarrhea
For some people, especially pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, listeriosis can lead to more severe symptoms, such as:
Stiff neck
Confusion
Loss of balance
Seizures
Currently, there have been no reports of illness linked to this withdrawn, but anyone who experiences flu-like symptoms after consuming these products should see a doctor.
Experts say that food withdrawn are happening more often, partly because there are fewer companies producing food. This can lead to mistakes in labeling and safety. Better testing technology means that companies are finding problems before they make people sick.
It’s important to stay informed about food safety. If you think you might have purchased any of the recalled products, check your items carefully. For more information, visit the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) website or the websites of the stores where you shop. Keeping an eye on your food can help keep you and your family safe!