This story at a glance…

1. Nearly 12 million pounds of meat are recalled for listeria risk.

2. Contaminated foods include items sold at Costco, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s.

3. Some products were also sent to schools and restaurants across the U.S.

4. Consumers are urged to toss or return affected items for a refund.

Massive Meat Recall Expands to 12 Million Pounds Nationwide

A large recall involving 12 million pounds of meat and poultry products is expanding across the U.S., as officials work to prevent potential listeria infections. Some of these products made their way into schools, restaurants, and major retail outlets, including Costco, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Target, federal officials revealed. The meat was processed at BrucePac’s facility in Durant, Oklahoma, and distributed by the Oregon-based company across various foodservice channels.

The recall initially issued on October 9th, covers items produced from May 31 to October 8. The USDA’s recall notice lists everything from chicken wraps and burritos to salads, with each item potentially containing the listeria bacteria. Fortunately, there have been no reported illnesses so far, and the CDC has not initiated an outbreak investigation.

What’s Been Recalled and Where It’s Going
The recalled items were found during routine testing by the USDA, which revealed listeria in BrucePac chicken samples. The USDA has since released a detailed, 342-page list of potentially contaminated items, which includes products sold at popular retail chains and shipped to schools and restaurants nationwide. Some of the specific items under recall include chicken burritos from Costco, salads from Target and Walmart, and wraps from Trader Joe’s.

The affected products can be identified by establishment numbers “51205” or “P-51205” located inside or near the USDA inspection mark. Consumers who have purchased these items are urged to discard them or return them for a refund. The USDA has also provided a recall site where consumers can search for specific affected products.

Understanding the Risks of Listeria
While no one has fallen ill yet, listeria can cause significant health problems, especially for older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Symptoms of a listeria infection include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, along with severe symptoms like convulsions, confusion, and loss of balance. These symptoms may take anywhere from a few days to up to ten weeks to appear after consuming contaminated food. The CDC notes that listeria infections claim approximately 260 lives annually in the U.S.

To avoid exposure, officials recommend that anyone in possession of the recalled products should promptly dispose of them. Listeria bacteria are tough and can survive cold temperatures, so refrigerating contaminated foods doesn’t reduce the risk.

A Word of Caution for Consumers
Federal officials are encouraging vigilance as they continue to monitor the situation. Although the risk of widespread illness appears low, consumers are advised to check their kitchens and take precautions to avoid potential exposure. While it’s alarming to see a recall of this size, the prompt response by both BrucePac and the USDA aims to minimize risk to the public.

Reflection
Just as we’re careful about what we consume physically, we’re also called to guard what enters our minds and hearts. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” By keeping our hearts centered on what’s good and true, we can navigate life’s challenges with grace and strength.