RECALL UPDATE: BrucePac Meat Recall Widens As Taco Kits Removed in 30 States
According to News Week, A meat recall involving BrucePac has expanded to 30 states, prompting the removal of taco kits from store shelves due to safety concerns. The Oregon-based manufacturer Reser’s Fine Foods announced on Friday the recall of seven types of meal kits that contain chicken supplied by BrucePac, amid fears of listeria contamination.
Health Risks Associated with Listeria
Listeriosis, an infection caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, predominantly affects older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. The infection can lead to severe health complications and can be fatal in some cases.
Newsweek has reached out to both BrucePac and Reser’s Fine Foods for further comment.
Affected Products
The recalled meal kits 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. They should either return the products to the store or dispose of them safely. All affected products have “best by” dates ranging from November 7, 2024, to November 21, 2024.
States Impacted by the Recall
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
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In response to the contamination concerns, Reser’s Fine Foods has ceased using any ingredients from BrucePac’s affected facility, according to the FDA.
Background of the Recall
The recall follows an earlier announcement from BrucePac regarding the recall of 75 ready-to-eat meat and poultry products over potential listeria contamination. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) identified the bacteria during a routine inspection of products containing BrucePac’s ready-to-eat poultry, leading to the discovery of contamination in their facility.
Listeria Statistics and Symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeria affects approximately 1,600 individuals annually in the U.S. It is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness, with about 20% of infected individuals succumbing to the infection.
While no illnesses have been reported related to these BrucePac products, those at high risk for listeriosis who experience flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming potentially contaminated food should seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider.
Symptoms of listeriosis may include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Diarrhea
- Convulsions
In pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to serious outcomes, including miscarriages, stillbirths, or premature deliveries. Infants born with listeriosis can also experience severe complications.
Earlier this year, a separate incident involving Boar’s Head deli meat products led to a voluntary recall due to listeria contamination, resulting in 59 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and monitor their health in relation to recalled food products.
