As a chef, I believe in feeding the world well. In doing so, I give out good recipes and tell stories about where to eat, and hopefully take you on a journey of great tasting adventures.
While these are fun, there is the downside, and unfortunately my readers need to be aware of one such tragedy to hit our local area. BrucePac, a Durant,Okla.establishment, is recalling approximately 9,986,245 pounds of readyto- eat meat and poultry products that may be adulterated withListeriamonocytogenes.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced that the ready-toeat meat and poultry items were produced from June 19, 2024, to October 8, 2024. These products were shipped to other establishments and distributors nationwide then distributed to restaurants and institutions.
Information regarding product labels and the list of products will be provided whenavailable.Theproducts subject to recall bear establishment numbers 51205 or P-51205 inside or under the USDA mark of inspection.
Products that contain the premade chicken was pulled from the shelves. Many 7-11 salads and products, Freshly Made, ReadyMeals,Amazon Kitchens, Taylor Farms, Giant Eagle,HEBandmanother products were pulled. For a full list, visit https://www. fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/ files/food_label_pdf/2024-10/ Recall-028-2024-Labels.pdf.
The problem was discovered after FSIS performed routine product testing of finished products containing poultry produced by BrucePac and confirmed those products tested positive for Listeriamonocytogenes.Subsequent FSIS investigation identified BrucePac chicken as the source of the Listeria monocytogenes.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that causes listeriosis, a serious infection primarily affecting pregnant women, newborns, the elderly andindividualswithweakened immune systems. It is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium and can survive in a variety of conditions, including cold environments, whichmakesituniqueamong many foodborne pathogens.
Some key characteristics include habitat. It is often found in soil, water, decaying vegetationandsomeanimals. It can also be present in various foods, particularly ready-to-eat items like deli meats, unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses and refrigerated foods.
L. monocytogenes can grow at refrigeration temperatures and as low as 32degrees F, which poses a risk for food storage. It causes listeriosis, which can lead to severe symptoms, especially in vulnerable populations.
In pregnant women, listeriosis can result in miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal infection. Symptoms of Listeriosis to be aware of and watch for may include but not limited to, fever, muscle aches, nausea or diarrhea, in severe cases, the infection can spread to the central nervous system,causingmeningitisor encephalitis.
Many of the problems can be prevented by taking some simple measures and having proper food handling. Thorough cooking and avoiding unpasteurized products help reduce the risk of listeriosis. Regular cleaning of kitchen surfaces and utensils can also minimize contamination.