An ongoing meat recall involving BrucePac has expanded to 30 states, resulting in taco kits being pulled from shelves due to safety concerns. This recall highlights the importance of food safety and consumer awareness regarding potential health risks.
Details of the Recall
Oregon-based manufacturer Reser’s Fine Foods announced on Friday the recall of seven types of meal kits that contain chicken supplied by BrucePac. This decision comes amid fears of contamination with listeria, a dangerous bacteria that can lead to severe illness. The specific products affected include:
- Don Pancho Chicken Street Taco Express Meal Kit
- Don Pancho Chicken Quesadilla Express Meal Kit
- Don Pancho Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Express Meal Kit
- Bistro 28 Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Express Meal Kit
- Bistro 28 Chicken Burrito Bowl Express Meal Kit
- Bistro 28 Chicken Street Taco Express Meal Kit
- Bistro 28 Chicken Quesadilla Express Meal Kit
Consumers who have purchased these kits are strongly advised not to consume them. Instead, they should return the products to the store or dispose of them immediately.
Best By Dates and Affected States
All affected products have “best by” dates ranging from November 7, 2024, to November 21, 2024. The recall affects products sold in the following states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wyoming
Reser’s Fine Foods has confirmed that it is no longer sourcing any ingredients from BrucePac’s affected facility, as per the FDA’s recommendations.
Listeria Contamination: What You Need to Know
This recall follows a separate incident in which Oklahoma-based BrucePac recalled 75 ready-to-eat meat and poultry products on Wednesday due to potential listeria contamination. Listeria was detected by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) during a routine inspection, leading to further investigation that confirmed BrucePac chicken as the source. Nearly 10 million pounds of BrucePac meat were involved in this initial recall.
Listeria monocytogenes affects about 1,600 people annually in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is the third leading cause of death related to foodborne illnesses, with approximately 20% of those infected succumbing to the infection.
Health Risks and Symptoms
So far, no illnesses related to these BrucePac products have been reported. However, those at high risk for listeriosis—such as older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems—are advised to seek medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming potentially contaminated products. Symptoms of listeriosis may include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Diarrhea
- Convulsions
In pregnant women, listeriosis can spread to the fetus, potentially leading to miscarriages, stillbirths, or premature deliveries. Infants born with listeriosis can experience serious health complications.
Previous Incidents
Earlier this year, Boar’s Head deli meat products were also voluntarily recalled due to listeria contamination, resulting in 59 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of food safety and the need for consumers to stay informed about recalls and health risks associated with food products.
Consumers are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any symptoms or concerns to their healthcare providers, especially if they have consumed the affected products.
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