Some of the 11.8 million pounds of withdrawn Brucepacks are in schools

The multimillion-pound Brucepack meat recall announced last week has been extended once more as the US Department of Agriculture continues to identify and add potentially contaminated items to the recall list.

Initially reported without a product listing on Oct. 9 as a recall of 9,986,245 pounds of meat and poultry due to listeria contamination, Wednesday's figure included an additional 1,779,040 pounds, increasing the weight total to 11.8 million pounds. The update also revealed that some of the recalled products have been distributed to schools.

The USDA released an ever-expanding label and product list with photos on Oct. 11, which as of Thursday is 343 pages long. Although Wednesday's update added a warning that potentially contaminated Brucepack meat may be in schools across the United States, the USDA's Food and Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) did not have a list or more information about school locations as of Thursday afternoon.

“FSIS continues to collect distribution information and is committed to ensuring consumers have the information they need to effectively identify recalled products,” an editor's note said in the latest update.

BrucePack and the USDA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In a statement about the recall on its website, BrucePack, which has temporarily halted production at its Durant, Oklahoma facility, said: “We are committed to providing safe, high-quality products.”

“We are working closely with the USDA to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to ensure a safe food supply,” the company said. “We will not resume production until we are sure the problem is resolved.”

'Not worth the risk,' says food safety advocate

In a perfect world, companies like BrucePack would have full visibility and oversight of their products and wherever they are disturbed, food safety attorney Bill Marler told USA Today on Thursday. But the reality, he said, is that tracking becomes nearly impossible when manufacturers like Brewpack sell to vendors who then turn around and sell to other vendors until the product finally ends up in a grocery store salad.

“I think a real big risk here overall is because we're seeing kind of a rolling recall where they keep adding things,” he said. “The incubation period is up to 70 days so unfortunately people who ate or ate it weeks ago are still at risk.”

Because of this loss of visibility, consumers are seeing a slow and incomplete rollout of recall information, he said.

“It shows how important it is that manufacturers use good manufacturing practices so that you don't have this problem in the first place,” he said. “It also underscores the fact that we need more testing for Listeria in our ready-to-eat products, not less, and FSIS has pushed back on that.”

Because the recall is so large and includes meat used in all types of ready-to-eat and frozen foods such as salads, wraps and other prepared items, Marler advises consumers to follow the tried and true adage: “If in doubt, throw it out.” Assembling a comprehensive list of affected items will continue to be a challenge, he said, so anything pre-made containing chicken or beef that could potentially be part of the recall should be thrown away and not consumed.

“It may seem wasteful in some cases if it's not contaminated, but the listeria risk is so high,” he said. “It's not worth the risk.”

What types of products are being recalled?

Sandwiches, wraps and salads are the primary prepared foods affected by the recall. Frozen foods containing chicken products, from pasta and burritos to bowls and family meals, are also affected.

Ready-to-eat meat and poultry items produced from May 31, 2024 to October 8, 2024. The products were shipped to other establishments and distributors nationwide and then distributed to restaurants, schools and institutions.

Products subject to recall bear establishment number “51205 or P-51205” on or below the USDA inspection mark.

Find a complete and expanded list at fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Which stores have products on the recall list?

USDA continues to update the list of affected products and recommends checking frequently at fsis.usda.gov/recalls. This list may not be complete.

• Walmart
• Hooks
• Albertson's
• Publix
• the target
• Aldi
• Amazon Fresh
• Trader Joe's
• 7-Eleven
• Heb
• Major
• giant eagle
• Wegmans
• Save Mart

What brand names are included in the recall?

USDA continues to update the list of affected products and recommends checking frequently at fsis.usda.gov/recalls. This list may not be complete.

• fresh express
• Rao's
• Michael Angelo
• Boston Market
• Atkins
• Dole
• Jenny Craig
• Monterey
• Don Pancho
• ready meals
• Amazon Kitchen
• Taylor Farms
• Giant Eagle Brand
• HEB brand
• Kroger brand
• Home Chef
• Meijer fire
• Racetrack Brand
• Raley's
• Save Mart brand
• Trader Joe's brand
• Wegman's brand
• Central Eats
• of red
• Udir
• Great Value (Walmart) brand
• Gordon's Choice
• Michelin's
• Good and collection
• Small salad bar
• Select Signature
• Marketside
• Amazon Fresh
• Contessa Premium Foods
• Whitsons Culinary Group
• Bell and Evans
• tie up
• HMS
• Kitchenmate
• mother's food

What to do if you have a recalled product

The USDA advises consumers who have purchased these products not to eat them and instead throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. Retailers of products in stock are similarly advised not to sell the recalled products and dispose of or return them.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions linked to these products, but anyone concerned about injury or illness should contact their healthcare provider.

What is listeriosis or listeria poisoning?

Listeriosis, or listeria poisoning, is a foodborne bacterial infection usually caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially for older adults, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant people.

Symptoms of listeriosis or listeria poisoning

Listeriosis, or listeria poisoning, is a foodborne bacterial infection usually caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially for older adults, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant people.

According to the USDA, symptoms include:

• fever
• muscle pain
• headache
• stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• convulsions
• diarrhea
• Other gastrointestinal symptoms
• Abortion, stillbirth, premature birth and/or life-threatening infection in newborns
• death

The USDA states that people in the high-risk category who experience flu-like symptoms within two months of eating contaminated food should seek medical attention and tell a health care provider about eating the contaminated food.