The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has expanded a nationwide recall of meat and poultry products due to concerns over potential Listeria contamination. The recall, which initially affected smaller batches of ready-to-eat products, now includes nearly 12 million pounds of meat and poultry. Officials are warning that some of the recalled products were distributed to local schools, raising concerns about the safety of meals provided to students.
The expanded recall, linked to BrucePac, a major producer of ready-to-eat meats, involves over 300 pages of affected items sold at popular retailers such as Wegmans, Trader Joe’s, Target, Walmart, and others. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has confirmed that schools in several areas, including Newark, Jersey City, and Valley Stream on Long Island, have received some of the recalled products. Multiple charter and Catholic schools in New York City have also been affected.
The Listeria bacteria can cause severe illness, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The USDA has urged consumers and schools to check their freezers and immediately dispose of any recalled products. Listeria infections can cause symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea, with more severe cases potentially leading to death.
The recall has raised alarm among parents and school officials, as affected districts scramble to ensure the safety of the food being served to students. Local school officials have stated that they are working closely with the USDA and food distributors to identify and remove any contaminated products from their kitchens.
BrucePac has issued a statement expressing concern over the contamination and pledging to cooperate fully with the investigation. The company is working with retailers and food service providers to ensure all affected products are removed from circulation.
Consumers who have purchased meat or poultry products from the impacted retailers are being urged to check the USDA’s recall list, which provides detailed information on the specific products involved. As the recall expands, officials continue to monitor the situation closely, with further updates expected as investigations into the contamination proceed.
