BrucePac Meat Recall Lawsuit | Get the Right Lawyer

Update: BrucePac Recall Expanded, Affects Major Retailers & Schools

October 21, 2024 – BrucePac has expanded its recall to include nearly 12 million pounds of meat and poultry which may be contaminated with the bacteria listeria monocytogenes, according to FOX News [4.]. The expanded recall affects products that were shipped to several national grocers and hundreds of schools across the U.S. [5.].

“The products that went to these schools were not part of USDA’s National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs; schools also purchase food directly from other vendors,” FSIS said in its latest update.

The list of affected stores is over 1,000 pages long and includes major retailers such as Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe’s, and Albertsons. It also includes companies under the Albertsons banner, such as Safeway.

What’s the Problem?

The recalled BrucePac meat products [1] were produced between June 19, 2024, and October 8, 2024, shipped to other establishments and then further distributed to restaurants and institutions across the U.S., according to the FSIS [2].

Affected products bear establishment numbers “51205 or P-51205” inside or under the USDA mark of inspection.

Why was the Meat Recall Initiated?

FSIS discovered the problem during routine testing of ready-to-eat (RTE) poultry products produced by BrucePac, which identified the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. A subsequent investigation determined BrucePac RTE chicken to be the source of the Listeria contamination.

What is Listeriosis?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, listeriosis is a foodborne illness caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, commonly found in environments like soil, groundwater, decaying vegetation, and animal waste [3].

People typically contract listeriosis by consuming contaminated food. The incubation period for listeriosis, the time between infection and the appearance of symptoms, ranges from a few days to up to three months.

Listeria bacteria are unique among foodborne pathogens because they can survive and multiply in cold temperatures, including in refrigerators and freezers, allowing them to grow to harmful levels during food storage without noticeable changes in the food’s smell, taste, or texture.

Also Read: Shrimp Recall for Listeria Contamination Lawsuit

Who is at Risk of Listeriosis?

While anyone can be affected by listeriosis, individuals with a healthy immune system are less likely to suffer severe consequences. Those at the highest risk of serious illness or death include:

• Pregnant individuals and developing fetuses
• Adults aged 65 or older
• People with a weakened immune system, including those with conditions like AIDS or cancer or those taking immunosuppressive medications

Symptoms of Listeriosis

Listeriosis symptoms can vary but often resemble flu-like symptoms. Understanding the timeline and severity of these symptoms is crucial for seeking timely medical attention.

Below is a detailed symptom timeline, including severe warning signs that require immediate action.

24-48 Hours After Exposure:

• Fever: Typically, a fever may range from 100°F to 102°F. If your fever exceeds 102°F or persists for over a few days, seek medical attention.

• Muscle Aches: Commonly felt in the back, legs, and arms. Suppose muscle pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms like fever or fatigue.

48-72 Hours After Exposure:

• Headache: A persistent headache that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relief may indicate a more serious condition.

• Nausea: Accompanied by vomiting, in some cases, nausea can lead to dehydration if not managed.

Serious Warning Signs

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

• Confusion: Difficulty concentrating or disorientation may indicate neurological involvement.
• Stiff Neck: The inability to flex your neck forward can signify meningitis.
• Convulsions: Seizures are a medical emergency and require immediate evaluation.

Listeriosis can lead to severe health complications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Early recognition of symptoms and prompt medical attention are crucial for effective treatment. If you suspect you have listeriosis after consuming potentially contaminated food, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.

Related Articles: 

• Milo’s Poultry Farms Egg Recall Lawsuit
• Fisher-Price Snuga Swing Recall Lawsuit

FSIS Notice on Recalled Meat and Poultry Products

The FSIS is concerned that certain recalled meat and poultry products may still be in use at restaurants, institutions, and other food-serving establishments. These products may have been incorporated into ready-to-eat (RTE) products that are currently on store shelves or in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.

Actions to Take:

• Do not serve or use these potentially contaminated products.
• Dispose of or return these products to the place of purchase to prevent health risks.

Establishments and consumers should take these actions immediately to ensure the safety of all who may come into contact with these food products.

Get a Free BrucePac Meat Recall Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in BrucePac Meat Recall Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new listeria food poisoning cases in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one developed symptoms of listeria after eating recalled meat, you should contact a lawyer immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a BrucePac Meat Recall Lawsuit and we can help.

References:
1. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/Recall-028-2024-Product-List.pdf
2. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/brucepac-recalls-ready-eat-meat-and-poultry-products-due-possible-listeria
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17721-listeriosis