A major recall of almost 12 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products by Oregon-based company BrucePac has impacted nearly 80 stores in Oregon and 120 stores in Washington, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The recall, initiated due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria, has sparked widespread concern, though no illnesses have been reported so far.
The products in question were processed between June 19 and October 8, 2024, at a BrucePac facility in Durant, Oklahoma. The meats were distributed across the nation and used in prepared foods sold at restaurants, schools, and retail stores. Due to the wide range of affected products, including items from well-known brands such as Dole, Rao’s, and El Monterey, as well as private labels from Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Amazon, and others, identifying all contaminated products has proven challenging.
The USDA has published a comprehensive list of over 300 pages detailing the packaging and labels of the recalled items. Consumers are advised to check the list carefully and discard any potentially contaminated products or return them to the point of purchase.
While none of the major brands linked to the recall are present in Oregon, 79 smaller retailers in the state, along with two Safeway stores in Auburn and Spokane, Washington, may have received affected products. Authorities are urging consumers to remain cautious, especially since Listeria can cause serious illness, particularly in vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Listeria infection, or listeriosis, can lead to severe symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress, and in severe cases, can be fatal. The USDA is advising anyone who may have purchased the recalled products to throw them out immediately and to frequently check for updates, as more items could be added to the recall list.
For a detailed list of affected retailers and products, consumers are encouraged to visit the USDA’s website.
With input from OregonLive and Consumer Reports.
